With almost every student and staff member involved in some way, homecoming is one of the largest events South hosts each year. Whether they’re in a council, decorating the gym or volunteering in the annual pep assembly, homecoming is a huge part of each school year at South.
One element of homecoming is the theme each grade must decide on and execute. Every graduating class at South is expected to build a float for the community-wide parade before the homecoming football game as well as a spirit day where that class gets to celebrate what’s been created with their theme. All students of the class get to wear the shirt their class council designed and have the ability to go all out with the rest of their outfits within the guidelines of their theme.
“Spirit day really shows both the creativity and strength of the community at South,” Victoria McCabe ’24 said. “It’s great to see how excited people get for it.”
It is the responsibility of each grade’s class council to decide on an acceptable grade-wide theme for each homecoming aspect. The decisions start around May of the prior school year. The four class councils then use that theme to design the spirit rock, two banners, the class t-shirt and a float all revolving around the theme they choose.
“Choosing a homecoming theme can be a hard thing to do,” Katelyn Degrand ’25, class council member, said. “Since everyone has their own ideas and thoughts about how original or difficult everything is, it puts a lot of pressure on us.”
While class councils dedicate their meetings together to deciding things specifically for their grade, the student association (SA) oversees and sponsors the actual homecoming dance. Hiring a DJ, decorating and paying for a photo booth are just a few of their responsibilities.
“(Homecoming) is one of the biggest events that SA organizes,” Olivia McMillian ’25, SA member said. “A good amount of our fundraising money goes towards it.”
Months of planning and preparation make the homecoming festivities what they are. Despite slight hiccups here and there, coming together and enjoying the outcome is a memorable experience that the students will cherish forever.
“It’s the busiest time of the year,” Kendra Caralis, class of 2025 council advisor, said. “There’s a lot of moving pieces and it’s a lot to keep a hold of, but as the classes get older they handle more and it’s less stressful (and more enjoyable).”