By Jasmitha Keesara
The halls of East High were buzzing with excitement as the biggest week of the year, Homecoming, drew near. With a jam-packed schedule of events, themed dress-ups, and a grand finale dance, Homecoming is a time for the entire school to come together and celebrate. This year, the student council organized a “Playlist of Paradise” theme, with different classes dressing up to represent various music genres, sorted by seniority. From October 2nd to 7th, students were in for a thrilling week of activities and camaraderie.
Monday marked the official kickoff of Homecoming week, with each class proudly donning their designated colors: white for freshmen, black for sophomores, yellow for juniors, and red for the seniors. The shirts featured a common back design, with only the shirt color and class numbers on the front distinguishing the different classes. The day also featured an energetic pep rally held in the gym–a departure from previous years’ outdoor setups–which included a grand entrance of varsity sports teams, the announcement of nominations for senior awards in categories like school spirit, extracurriculars, academics, and students who embody TORCH, and several spirited class competitions. As always, it was a memorable moment for the year! Notable was the sophomores’ unprecedented Tug-of-War win.
On Tuesday, students and staff participated in “Dress Like an East Teacher Day.” Participants emulated the styles of their favorite teachers, donning wigs, makeup, suits, and ties to replicate their chosen teacher’s attire. Some even printed or made their own I.D. tags to go along with their outfits!
Wednesday brought the excitement of theme dress-up day. Freshmen embraced the pop music theme, sporting outfits inspired by modern pop artists or pop culture. Sophomores sparkled in disco-themed attire, complete with shimmer, sequins, and a dash of glamor. Juniors transformed into the wild west with country music-inspired ensembles, while seniors took to the rock scene with loose t-shirts, leather jackets, and metal accessories. Creative inspiration was readily available online. The day also featured the Care Walk from 3-4pm on the track. Participants came with friends and $5 to raise funds for cancer awareness, with the added bonus of earning volunteer hours. Amid the festivities, two seniors shared their thoughts on this incredible Homecoming week. Fiona Comerford recalls, “This week was the best Hoco by far because of how all out my friends and I went all out for school spirit.” Meanwhile, Ryan Hall reflected on the week, saying, “I had a great senior Homecoming week with my friends and teammates. Between the football game and the pep rallies, it was definitely a week for me to remember.”
Thursday was all about words that end with “-er.” Students and staff had a blast dressing up as characters, celebrities, or anything else that fit the theme. After school, the flag football game brought the heat as junior and senior girls competed while the guys took on cheerleading duties wearing the girls’ uniforms. The game ended with the seniors bringing in the win. The fun continued with Taste of East at 6 pm in the front parking lot. Food trucks and school clubs set up shop to sell delicious snacks and drinks, raising funds for their activities. Our very own newspaper club sold Paula’s donuts and apple cider; to those who stopped by, thank you for your support! The evening culminated with the lighting of the famous bonfire at around 7:15, the flame being the hottest of these past couple years. Taste of East was a highlight for many students, providing delicious treats and a warm blaze to end the night.
Friday saw seniors dressing up while the rest of the student body proudly wore red and gold to showcase their school spirit. The Homecoming Court Pep Rally took place in the gym at 1:50, featuring more class competitions and the announcement of the winners in various categories, such as extracurriculars, academics, spirit, and TORCH. Homecoming Court member Danielle Guo shared her sentiments, saying, “The week was so bittersweet. I had so much fun at all the events like Taste of East and the pep rallies, but I can’t believe it was my last one. I wish I could relive it all over again.” Danielle’s words echoed the sentiments of many seniors who, as they celebrated their final Homecoming, couldn’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and excitement for the memories made during this unforgettable week. At 7 pm, the Homecoming football game commenced at the fields, with the concession stand open and the cheerleading team performing spectacularly.
Finally, the most anticipated event arrived on Saturday from 6-9pm—the Homecoming dance. Students donned their finest suits and dresses, with the gym decked out in a range of decorations. A wide selection of songs, delectable food, and a photo backdrop set the stage for a night to remember. Some had fun in the dance circle, while others enjoyed the food and chatted with their friends in the commons. Thank you to all the teachers, administrators, and parents who were involved, as we wouldn’t have been able to do this without your support
East High’s Homecoming 2023 was a spectacular week filled with fun, laughter, and unforgettable moments. With the “Playlist of Paradise” theme, students celebrated the power of music and unity, making this Homecoming one for the books. From the spirited pep rally to the thrilling games, the delicious Taste of East, and the grand Homecoming dance, it was a week that brought the entire school together, creating lasting memories for all.
