By Gillian Marcus
Initially, the month of September is something most high school students dread…the time where their stress-free summers end and a new, stressful school year begins.  However, in the midst of this melancholy, there’s still one event the majority of us look forward to: homecoming.  This year, the dance is scheduled for Saturday, September 26th, from 7 – 10 PM.  The function will take place in the gym, where you can certainly expect many tasty treats!
To lead up to this day, East has various, entertaining events throughout the school week that really channel students’ inner spirit.  From –ER day to twin day, each is unique, and certainly quite amusing.  On –ER day, you dress up like something that ends in –ER.  For example, you can wear a straw hat and overalls and dress up like a farmer, wear professional clothing and pretend to be a teacher, or even a gamer – get creative with it!  On twin day, find a friend and wear the same clothing to show your spirit for East.  On top of these two events, there’s also a day where each graduating class wears their own color-coated shirt that pertains to the theme East voted for.  This year, we’ve selected the theme of Pixar.  The freshmen will have blue shirts that sport Finding Nemo, sophomores will have green shirts with Monsters Inc., juniors will have yellow with Toy Story, and seniors will be decked out in red with the theme of The Incredibles.  While wearing these shirts, everyone will be directed to go to the homecoming assembly, where potential senior homecoming king and queen candidates are revealed.  Each will write a speech and recite it, and a king and queen is voted for.  During the pep rally, minigames will be set up, where representatives from each grade try to win for their class.  While it gets very competitive, especially for the seniors, the assembly is a really fun time for people to show their spirit for East.
On Thursday, September 24th, the Powder Puff game, Taste of East, and bonfire all take place.  At 5 PM, juniors and seniors are eligible to take part in the Powder Puff game, which is a game of football – but with gender roles reversed!  This time, the girls will be playing the football, while the guys dress up in cheerleading outfits and cheer for their female counterparts.  The junior class faces the senior class, and anyone is welcome to watch.  Following the Powder Puff, the Taste of East is at 6 PM.  Here, various clubs set up booths and sell delicious foods ranging from dinner meals to tasty desserts.  There will be mac and cheese, beverages, brownies as well as other desserts, and other delicious treats and fun activities, so be sure to attend.  This social event will continue until 7:00, when we switch things up a bit with a gigantic bonfire – seriously, it’s huge.  Everyone is encouraged to take advantage of these enjoyable events, because they only happen once a year!  Bring a couple of friends and come out and participate in what East has to offer.  Trust me, you’ll appreciate that you went.
On Saturday, the 26th, at 12:30 PM, the Homecoming Parade will take place.  Here, each class presents the floats that they’ve built and marches down Paradise road.  A winning grade is chosen based on whose was the most creative and fits the theme of Pixar.  Shortly after, at 1:30 PM, there will be a picnic where you can get pizza and water.  Following the picnic is the football game, which will begin at 2:00 PM.
Homecoming itself will be 7:00 – 10:00 PM later that day.  Tickets are only available before the actual event, and if you’re bringing a guest from another school, special forms are required.  During the event, there’ll be desserts, snacks, and beverages (plenty of water) available.
No matter what grade you’re in, homecoming week is a great time to express yourselves and have a blast with all of your friends.  A warning to all you East newcomers, however, don’t get too close to the middle during the dance…on top of it being extremely hot, you might not be able to find your way out.  Again, tickets for the dance will be on sale a week before.  Show your school spirit and participate!  Go Flames!
