By: Anirhutha Senthil Kumar
When we think about homecoming, it’s easy to think about the dance first. What we’re wearing, who we’re going with, and what everyone’s plans are seems like the most pressing. However, there’s an entire week before Saturday night. A week to match with our friends, wear our class colors, and spend time together at fun events.
This year’s homecoming theme is Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and each grade is represented by a Hogwarts house. Freshmen are Hufflepuff in yellow, sophomores are Ravenclaw in light gray and blue, juniors are Slytherin in black and green, and the seniors are Gryffindor in red. The Harry Potter theme continues throughout the week with events like Weasley Twin Tuesday, Muggles vs. Wizards, and the “Quidditch Cup.”
Especially this year, there’s a lot to look forward to!
Monday, October 5, starts with Class T-Shirt and House Day, also called the “Sorting Hat Day.” Students will wear their grade’s corresponding house colors. There will also be a pep rally in the gym with a revised bell schedule, and all of the homecoming court nominees will be announced.
Tuesday, October 6, is Weasley Twin Tuesday. Students can coordinate outfits with a friend or two for twin or triplet day. Junior Samiha Ahmed said she’s “especially excited about twinning with her twin”.
Wednesday, October 7, brings Muggles vs. Wizards day. Students can dress as someone or something from Harry Potter. Anyone who doesn’t dress up will be marked as a Muggle for the day. After school, a ping-pong tournament will take place at 3 p.m. in the Commons. Recreational players can sign up in teams of two, while competitive players can enter the singles match. Spaces are limited so students are encouraged to sign up quickly! Every team will play at least two games, and there will be music and snacks for everybody. Also, prizes will be awarded for the top three teams.
Thursday, October 8, is the “Quidditch Cup,” a day to wear sports gear and jerseys. Flag football starts at 5 p.m., followed by Taste of East from 6 to 8 p.m. accompanied by the signature East bonfire. Students are encouraged to bring cash for food purchases, since cards can only be used at food trucks.
As expected, plenty of students are excited for homecoming, “I can’t wait to learn about all the different clubs at Taste of East and try a bunch of different foods,” Elizabeth Feterik said. For Abigail Gunawan, however, it’s also about bringing everyone together. “I love the atmosphere of Taste of East when the entire student body hangs out as a community,” she said.
Friday, October 9, is East Spirit Day. Students should wear red and gold, and another pep rally will take place in the gym with a revised bell schedule. After a full week of different themes and activities, Friday is a chance for students to show their East spirit together.
Then comes the dance. Homecoming will take place on Saturday, October 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the gym, with food provided by the PTSA. Tickets are $15 in the attendance office, with sales running from September 28 through October 6. Students must stay until at least 8 p.m.
“Yay, I’m so excited for homecoming,” Senior Vasudha Anand said. Even Abigail’s dog, Boochi, had something to contribute when interviewed about homecoming: “WOOF!!!”. Safe to say that that’s not a lot of detail, but the enthusiasm was there.
For some of us, this is our first homecoming at East. For others, it’s our last. Maybe you’re most excited about the dance. Maybe it’s the food, or maybe it’s simply having an excuse to match outfits with your friends. Either way, homecoming week gives everyone something to look forward to!