Just Chill: Homecoming's Here For All
Serena Mueller
Feature Editor
Christmas lights are strung throughout pods.
Faux snow litters the computers.
Students have bought their arctic-themed t-shirts.
Homes around Waverly take on a Winter look for a contest, introduced just this year.
Each a sign of Homecoming, which is closer than “just around the corner”.
WHS Student Council was in charge of Homecoming, from pod themes to pep rallies, and did more than a fantastic job in planning and organizing.
In comparison to past years, this year offers a few opportunities involving the entire community and students in the other schools.
One such opportunity is for people in Waverly to decorate their houses.
“I really like the idea of houses in Waverly in a competition for ‘best decked out for homecoming,’ it gets the whole community involved and it creates for a new tradition,” senior Saidee Weatherwax said.
Another homecoming feature includes StuCo members, cheerleaders, fall sport athletes and leaders of the student section travelling from school to school to hold district pep rallies. They gave examples of spirit week outfits, crowned a mini homecoming king and queen, led cheers and talked about fall sports and activities.
Thinking about the rest of the district, pep rallies hold some significant importance.
“We need to keep other schools involved, not just section ourselves off from the rest of the students in the community,” senior stuco member Ashley Neujahr said.
Waverly High’s pep rally is normally held in the gym, and the middle schoolers walk down to join the upperclassmen. This year, dances, cheers and games will take place outside, and anybody is welcome and encouraged to join.
“We’re involving the community a lot more this year than we have in past years,” sophomore stuco member Maggie Conway said.
Admission for the dance is $5 at the door but this year, an exception is included this year.
Throughout homecoming week, white t-shirts are sold at lunch for $15. Those that purchase and wear a shirt to the dance get their admission waived.
The t-shirts are something student council didn’t try until this year, but the idea is slowly gaining popularity.
“Student council is selling t-shirts this year for the homecoming dance, and it's a good way to make sure everyone is participating in the white-out theme,” senior Skylar Asher said.
As with every year, the dance will feature a DJ, lights, pizza and drinks.
Not similar to every year, dry ice is added to the scene, fitting into the “Chillin’” theme.
Seniors voted for their 2014-2015 homecoming court, and the king and queen will be crowned at the football game against Nebraska City.
Those nominated into court feel more than honored.
“I’m blown away to have been nominated as the homecoming king,” senior Tucker Flodman said. “It’s usually the quarterback of the football team, or captain of the basketball team, so it’s a flattering experience.”
Freshmen through seniors are designated a pod and are expected to add some embellishments to their areas.
The freshmen pod is decorated as the south pole, sophomores as the winter olympics, juniors as “Frozen” and seniors as the north pole/santa.
By the end of the week, the best decorated pod is chosen.
“The pods all look really cool this year; I think every grade is really getting into the school spirit,” senior StuCo member Jon Murray.
Students go straight from the football game to the west gym for the dance, clad in their t-shirts and leggings or shorts.
Formal attire isn’t expected, and while some students hate it, others are thankful for the difference.
“It’s a lot easier for people to just go in whatever we wear, and really creates one less thing to worry about,” sophomore Evan Horner said.
Homecoming shirts, dry ice, rally towels, pod decor, pizza and pep rallies.
Homecoming is open to all community and students, date or no date, clad in white or wearing what they want.
The work and spirit piled into homecoming was far from a small amount, and the contributors hope to see smiling faces on Friday night, game and dance.
