Homecoming inspires school spirit

Homecoming is a time to celebrate the school. After students graduate, Homecoming is the time to go back to Mequon and reminisce about high school. Homestead High School has been celebrating Homecoming traditions since 1959.

Many Homestead students attend and participate in various traditions such as the football game, the dance and the parade. Throughout the years, the themes have changed, but Homecoming and its tradition of Homestead history have stayed the same, from the spirit and enthusiasm to the red and white dress wear lingering in the halls. Homestead students are always willing to show their pride by going all out in a week of dress days, walking in the parade with their sport or club and screaming at the top of their lungs at the Homecoming game.

The Homecoming Committee prepares to give Homestead a magical Homecoming. Katie McCarthy, Melissa Le, Rachel Fu and Roman Steuber, sophomores, spent their summer figuring out themes and activities for this year's homecoming.
The Homecoming Committee prepares to give Homestead a magical Homecoming. Katie McCarthy, Melissa Le, Rachel Fu and Roman Stueber, sophomores, spent their summer figuring out themes and activities for this year’s Homecoming. Photo by Bella Barbiere

Homecoming all starts with the Homestead Homecoming Committee. The staff, the organizers of the Homecoming events, meets in August to plan out activities, which include a week of themed dress attire, the girls (juniors vs. seniors) Powder Puff game and the pep rally. Another big hit is the parade, which is led by Angus and includes Homestead athletes, the Highlander band and the Homecoming court.

This Homecoming year kicks off Tuesday, Sept. 22, where students should come to school in their most comfy clothes for pajama day. Thursday, Sept. 24, is jersey day, and on Friday, Sept. 25, students should come decked out in red and white for Spirit Day.

Also, on Friday, at 4 p.m., the parade begins featuring Homestead sports, the Homecoming court and the Highlander band. At 7 p.m., the Friday night lights come on for the football game against Port Washington.

Saturday night lights is when students pick up their corsages and get dressed up to dance the night away. This year, seniors are able to wear any Disney-themed dress attire to the dance. The 2015 theme is Homestead, Where Dreams Come True.

A DJ will be the heart of the party, cranking the tunes in the gymnasium. Homecoming Court has not yet been decided, but each person will get a private email to vote for the lucky boys and girls of their choosing. Madeline Slicker, senior, stated, “Homecoming is a time when the school comes together and shows school spirit.”

“The football game is my favorite tradition,” Jimmy Oates, senior, claimed.

“Homecoming to me is a fun night to hang out with a ton of my friends,” Isabelle Maleki, Sophomore, said.

From their favorite tradition to the events they are participating in this Homecoming, Homestead students will be sure to promote school spirit in the traditional red and white way.