By Brad Bergstrom, Austin High School Principal

On Sept. 4, Austin High School welcomed about 1,210 students through its doors. As is the case most every year, not long after the students were back their conversations moved to discussing one of the most exciting times of the fall: Homecoming.

Homecoming 2012 has been celebrated this week. The festivities started with a Pep Fest and Fashion Show last Friday. During the program, students got to see the various ways they can dress each day during Homecoming Week to show school spirit, and the Homecoming Court was announced as well.

The Annual Powder Puff football games kicked off the week last Sunday at Wescott. Coronation took place on Wednesday, Sept. 26, at 2 p.m. in Knowlton Auditorium. On Thursday, Sept. 27 AHS hosted two very special celebrations. First was the 11th annual Distinguished Alumni Assembly at 9:30 a.m. in Knowlton Auditorium. This year’s Distinguished Alumni Award winners are Peggy McLaughlin Keener — class of 1965 — and June C. Kjome — class of 1938. The second major celebration of the day was the eighth annual Battle of the Connects. This was a great afternoon of fun for the students and staff at AHS. Students competed by grade level with their Connect (Homeroom) in a variety of events including obstacle courses, a tug-o-war, pin guard, and other contests too numerous to mention. Points were awarded to each class depending upon their finish and the class with the most points was awarded the trophy. In addition, points were also awarded for sportsmanship based upon the pillars of Character Counts. The winner of the Battle of the Connects was announced at a pep fest on Friday.

Friday, Sept. 28 continues to be a busy day at AHS. There will be a pep fest at 2:30 p.m. followed by the Homecoming Parade. The parade route parade will be the same as it has traditionally been, starting out on Second Avenue by the high school, moving east towards Main Street, north on Main Street to Fifth Avenue, west on Fifth Avenue to Wescott. The parade starts at 3:30 p.m. and we want to invite everyone to watch as it is a great time for all! Finally on Friday there is the football game at 7 p.m. against the Rochester Mayo Spartans. Feel free to arrive at Wescott early and tailgate with other Packer football fans. Hamburger and/or hotdog meals can be purchased before the game as well.

The final event to wrap up Homecoming Week is the Homecoming Dance on Saturday from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Tickets are $4 in advance and $5 at the door. Students are asked to bring their student ID cards in order to get in.

Homecoming is a wonderful week for AHS staff, students, and the community. If you would like to attend some or all of the many events, we invite you to be there. If you have any questions, please contact the high school at 507-460-1800 and as always, GO PACKERS!