“We, we are! We are the mighty Highlanders!” It’s the cheer heard across the North Shore conference. The “Highlander Chant” expresses the pride Homestead students, parents and staff have for the school. Representing a “mighty highlander” is different for everyone. Students and staff alike were asked, “What does being a mighty Highlander mean to you?

“I think it means you are really committed to our mission, strive to improve yourself inside and outside of the classroom, be a great citizen of our school and take pride in yourself, those around you and our school.” – Mr. Brett Bowers, principal

“To me, being a mighty highlander means being part of the best student section in the state and showing school spirit!” – Bella Stecshulte, senior

“Being united as a school.” – Grace Nemcek, sophomore

“Whatever we do, we do it passionately. Whether it’s cheering in the student section or cramming for an APUSH test, mighty Highlanders can’t be stopped.” – Sarah McCarthy, senior

“Our school is the best at everything.” – Johnny Erpenbeck, sophomore

“I think being a mighty Highlander is something special that only someone from Homestead would understand. It means to be a part of the school that has the most spirit in the state. It’s a great experience.” – Joe Hobbs, junior

“To me, the mighty Highlanders are strong-willed classmates that are passionate about their school. We’re enthusiastic,  united and above all, mighty. ” – Erin Carley, freshman

“I think that the term ‘mighty Highlander’ means that you truly love Homestead. From sports to academics you are a Highlander through and through. You may hate going to school at 7 in the morning, but in the end there is no place you  would rather go to school. I myself am a mighty Highlander. I enjoy every moment at this school. I scream Homestead  pride. Homestead has an impact on everyone who goes through here and I think that if you can say Homestead had an impact on your life then you are truly a mighty Highlander. This is why I think Homestead is so great and I wouldn’t go anywhere else. Like we say, ‘We are the mighty highlanders!’” – Erik Skaar, junior

“To succeed in everything I can.” – Luke Grohmann, sophomore

“It means to be proud and supportive of our hard working community’s accomplishments. Our school spirits shows Homestead in a positive light.” – Silma Berrada, freshman

“To me, being a Highlander means taking pride in everything you do at Homestead whether it be athletics, academics,  drama, or anything else and giving it your all for the good of your school.” – Carly Kleiman, junior

“It means that there I have 1336 friends and that’s pretty cool.” – Joe Wasserman, junior

“Mighty Highlanders have an overwhelming amount of pride and pep towards their school, and they aren’t afraid to  scream the Homestead chant at the top of their lungs” – Catherine Formella, senior

“To be a ‘mighty highlander’ is tough to put into words. How does the football team describe a state championship win?  How does the the drama department describe a standing ovation? How does the orchestra describe hitting the high note? Or an artist staring at their finished masterpiece? Or a runner after a personal best? Or a student receiving a grade he’s worked hard for all trimester? It’s these feelings that compose a ‘mighty highlander’: pride for your school, pleasure at their success and a little something else that can’t be described but which differentiates a ‘mighty highlander’ from everybody else.” – Will Gebhardt, senior

“It means that you are a part of the best school in the best country God ever put on this earth” – Jordan Kolsky, sophomore

“It means you get to represent the best school in the state every day.” – Hank Mckeegan, freshman