The anticipation for Homecoming began for most East students in late summer, and the excitement has reached an all-time high during this year’s Homecoming week celebrations. Class pride, school spirit, crazy outfits, dancing, eating, and the gathering of friends are a glimpse into this memorable and joyous week.
For most students, the Monday pep rally kicks off to a great week full of games, dressing up, and friends. This year’s first pep rally, held on September 15th, revved up every East flame. As is tradition, seating in the gym was separated by class. In each section, the dominating colors, red, gold, green and blue, created powerful class pride. The chants began with the roaring seniors chanting, “Let’s go seniors!” Following the seniors’ lead, the other classes joined in on the chanting and happy madness. These chants continued throughout the pep rally and with every cheer, class and school spirit grew. Senior Disha Yellayi said, “I love the East pep rallies! At my old school, we never had the spirit and excitement that I find here. When I am surrounded by my friends and chanting in support of my class and school, I am reminded how lucky I am to go to East!”
The pep rally games were creative and kept the crowd cheering. The games were centered on the “Through the Ages” theme. Sophomore Afolabi Adelukan said, “I really liked the jousting game this year. The toga dress up game was funny. It was interesting and original. The class officers did a great job organizing the games.” In addition to the games, this year’s pep rally starred two students, Matt M. and Tom Malinowski. Senior Jakob Karbowski said, “The entertainment at the pep rally was spectacular.”
Finally, the homecoming king and queen nominations were the peak of the pep rally for many seniors. Homecoming Queen Nominees were: Victoria Getman, Jessica Koch, Anna Kreutinger, Rachel Rapp and Cindy Ly. Homecoming King Nominees were: Patrick Faracca, Cort Williams, Christopher Tideswell, Matthew Steffan and Kyle Martinsen. Senior Bianca Kohli said, “It was really special watching my friends be nominated. They deserved a reward for being such friendly and caring people.”
The pep rally sparked school spirit, which continues throughout the week in spirit days and homecoming events. The Spirit Days were as follows: Monday- Class T-shirt Day, Tuesday- ER day, Wednesday- Burning through the Ages, Thursday- America Day, and Friday- Senior Dress up day. Junior Prerna Singh said, “ER day is definitely my favorite spirit day. I dressed up as a baker and I had a chance to be creative. I also found other people’s outfits interesting. I saw people dressed up as paper, farmers, and firefighters. It was awesome! I also liked the “Through the Ages” theme of this year’s homecoming. It has created some of the most interesting dress ups I’ve seen during my time at East.”
Events outside of the school day are often the most anticipated activities of the school year. The Powder Puff game is a Junior and Senior favorite. Senior Brooke Pettis said, “I participated in the Powder Puff game last year, and I thought it was a lot of fun! I can’t wait to see the seniors crush the juniors this year!” Following the game, the bonfire and Taste of East fill the parking lot. Junior Andrew Searns said, “The bonfire is incredible in size. It really helps me understand what it means to be an East Flame. The taste of East is fun because it gives me a chance to socialize with friends and to relax in the middle of a stressful week.”
The final day of homecoming week is Saturday, September 20th. The day starts with a parade by class at 12:30. Each class marches in a parade with a banner and float. Junior Joe Meosky said, “The parade is a lot of fun. The float that the steering committee works so hard is shown off to the other classes. Although it is somewhat of a class competition, we all feel more unified as a school. I am excited to see the Future, Egyptian, Medieval, and Roman themed floats.” After the Parade, students grab food at the picnic and head over to the football field for the homecoming game. Senior Jack Moser said, “I am excited for the game on Saturday. I know that it’ll be tiring, but I want to win for East. I am prepared to play my best.”
Finally, the dance will end homecoming week celebrations. Held this year in the gym, the dance is often the most anticipated part of homecoming week. Senior Caitlyn Littlewood said, “I spent a lot of time shopping for my homecoming dress. I just can’t for the dance, especially because it is my last homecoming. I hope the night goes perfectly.”
Homecoming week is a great way to start the new school year and to welcome freshmen into the East family. With school spirit at its maximum and every student boasting Flame pride, homecoming week is always a time to remember.
By Kiran Garg
