Homecoming marks the beginning of the school year, with students adjusting back to the daily school life norms. But Homecoming Week really rallies in the school spirit and the excitement to be back. Even before homecoming week, signs and decorations were being put up.
Entering the school during homecoming week, students would be adhering to the weekly themes of The City That Never Sleeps, Paradise to Palatine, Traffic Light Day, Lights Out, and last but not least, USA Day.
On Sep. 10, food trucks were parked right outside the school for students to go and buy lunch during their free periods. There were many options to choose from such as Pizza Tievoli, Brother’s BBQ, Rainbow Cone, Doctor Dogs, Culinary Gangster, and Mario’s Cart. The variety of cuisine made sure no matter what your taste was, there would be something that would fit your palette.
Right after second period, the whole school gathered in the gym to bring in their school spirit during the pep rally. With Mr. Langer—sporting his trademark yellow and black jumpsuit—the cheer team, dance, orchesis, band, and choir performed. A race with representatives of each class was also conducted, with sophomores winning, but freshmen a close second. The highly anticipated monarchs were given their sashes and a Viking crown.
That evening, a crowd gathered in the football stadium for the game versus Highland Park. With all their hard work paying off, the Vikings won against Highland 65-7. At the start, cheer, poms, and band started off with a performance. Vikings supported the team by shouting out chants with the chanting people during the game. During halftime, the dance team and marching band performed a well-practiced performance.
Saturday evening, after photos were taken, students started to head into the school’s back parking lot for the City Lights homecoming dance. Arriving with their friends and dates, they entered through the doors.
They were welcomed with a hallway decorated by student council. StuCo had put up posters of city lights and sparkly decoration, sticking to the theme of “City Lights.” Pushing back the doors, what was once the back parking lot had all the cars cleared out and a stage with lights was set up for the DJ. DJ Adeous had a playlist full of old 2000 classics booming on the speaker.
Soon, it turned to dusk, and the doors were closed. With plenty of people in the mosh pit, it soon got heated and students found themselves thirsty.
To quench themselves, there were coolers filled with water that students could get something to drink. People who wanted to escape the music headed back inside the school. Students could take a break in the cafeteria with the coats or play at a table with games. Inside the circle of humans, you could have witnessed some peoplebackflipping and breaking out dance moves. Nearing 10 o’clock, the DJ ended with some of his self-produced songs.
Freshman Ridhigaa Kannan describes her favorite part of homecoming.
“I liked hanging out with my friends, the experience as a whole,” Kannan said.
