It’s good to live in Austin this time of year.

We are as excited as any Austinite for the annual Austin High School homecoming festivities, where alumni, residents and students can gather and share memories, lessons and pride in their hometown.

The Austin High School football team has plenty to be excited about, as the Packers come off a huge win against the Winona Winhawks last week and look to carry that momentum into their homecoming game against Owatonna on Friday. Of course, students are going to have plenty to be proud about as they collect food this week, continuing an annual fundraising tradition.

Alumni are doing their part to welcome home wayward Packers. The annual Distinguished Alumni Assembly will take place this morning as high schoolers learn from Jocelyn “Joy” Dey and Thomas Murphy, this year’s distinguished alumni. Dey, class of 1963, is a career graphic designer, musician, artist and award-winning children’s book author. Murphy, class of 1976, is a distinguished Navy and test pilot who flew combat missions in the Gulf War, logged more than 3,000 flight hours, and made more than 300 carrier landings.

Austin Public Schools has another opportunity to show its pride this weekend, as the dedication ceremony and open house for the new I.J. Holton Intermediate School will take place this Saturday.

There are plenty of opportunities to show your spirit this week, and we encourage residents to take part in the festivities and show a little Packer Pride.