Homecoming Week creates connections

A week after Homecoming, students—and staff—are still talking about it!

“Homecoming is one of my favorite times of year,” said Principal Kyle Hosier. “I love seeing our community come together to support our student-athletes, and the school spirit on display at the Pep Rally was wonderful.”

Homecoming is a week-long celebration of school unity organized by the Jr./Sr. High School’s Government Organization (GO), advised by Rachel Ratcliffe. Its mission is to build community throughout the school. Ms. Ratcliffe explained that each grade has a representative on the GO. Together, they plan Spirit Week’s theme days and the Pep Rally.

Junior and senior class officers plan the hallway decorating contest (won by the freshman class!) and help organize the Homecoming Dance hosted by the PTSA.

“I helped set up the hallway decorating contest!” said Isabella, a junior class officer. “It was really fun to get people involved and talk to people I don’t usually talk to.”

The Pep Rally took place on the football field on a blue-sky Friday afternoon. The Panther mascot welcomed students and staff, who filled the stands in school colors. After the National Anthem, sung by the school’s Vocal Jazz ensemble, each varsity team ran onto the field and showed the lighter side of their competitive nature.

“My favorite moment at the Pep Rally was seeing the boys’ volleyball team do a mini game using some of their players as a net,” said Evelyn, a senior.

“I loved watching the cross-country team’s piggyback relay races!” said Riley, a junior.

Amid all the fun and games, connections were the number one highlight.

Student Board of Education representative Ben included many facets of Homecoming in his report to the community, including the Club Fair, which took place on Thursday of Spirit Week.

“It was a chance for students to connect with people who share their interests,” he said, “and sign up for something they might really enjoy.”

“We made a bunch of new friends … with the Ardsley kids!” said Sumartri and Nate, both sophomores, about the Homecoming football game, before which Superintendent Hamilton sang the National Anthem!. “We loved the chants, and the band was fire!”

For Ms. Ratcliffe, one of the most memorable moments came during the pep rally’s teachers-versus-teachers flag football game.

“When Mr. Langiulli—the head football coach—caught the interception, the whole football team, and then the entire crowd, erupted in cheers,” said Ms. Ratcliffe. “It showed the impactful relationships that are built between educators and students ... and created the best moment!”

___

Thank you to the Yearbook Club, Todd Sliss and others for photos!