By Ashley Harrington

Senior Student Council Representative and Historian

Homecoming week is one of the biggest events of the year at Austin High School. With the announcing of the homecoming court, a parade, the football game at the end of the week, and a formal dance, it’s a largely anticipated event. Homecoming is a week dedicated to celebrating not only our own students, but Austin High’s alumni as well. It’s a time to welcome back those faithful students who have walked Austin High School’s halls and to celebrate their past and former achievements. Homecoming in itself is a very exciting event. With planning and hard work, homecoming week always delivers with a lot of laughs and memorable moments.

The week kicked off with the girl’s powderpuff game on Sunday night which is a flag football tournament that is open to all grades. The week also featured a number of fun dress up days the students and staff participated in throughout the week. On Monday, students got to literally roll out of bed as they got the chance to wear their pajamas to school on pajama day. Tuesday is an ever-changing day as it varies every year. This year, everybody broke out their Hawaiian shirts and cameras for tacky tourist day. To celebrate the announcement of the homecoming king and queen, Wednesday was dress up day or as it was named this year, “keep it classy” day. One of the main events homecoming week has to offer was Thursday which hosted the Battle of the Connects, a day where students competed in events like tug of war, name that tune and the potato sack race to win points for each grade level. The students were organized by not only their connect but by their grade in which each class got a color. Freshmen wore orange, sophomores sported green, juniors rocked blue and seniors dressed in black. Before the battle could begin, there was an assembly dedicated to AHS’s alumni. This gave the students a chance to go back in time with the former AHS graduates and to honor them for their successes. The day ended with the traditional bonfire to seal off the battle. Friday was Packer pride day as the students wore red in preparation for the football game tonight. This year the Packers will take on the Red Wing Wingers. The game will also feature music groups such as the Austinaires and the AHS band before the game and at half time. Finally, the week will end with a chance for the students to dance the night away at the homecoming dance Saturday night.

Homecoming week is a time for the students of AHS to really come together. While being a last hurrah for the seniors, it’s also a great way to welcome the freshmen to the high school. It’s a week to be care-free and to truly celebrate being a Packer. It’s a time to remind ourselves of our school sportsmanship and to kick off the start to a wonderful year.

Though homecoming week celebrates AHS’s former and past students, it’s also a chance to help out the community. Throughout the week, a food drive was held as students were encouraged to bring in food items. With homecoming being as big of an event as it is, it’s a great way to promote giving back to people in need. On Friday, the entire town will get together to watch the homecoming parade which features the homecoming court, several marching bands and each of the grades are represented with their own floats as well. Homecoming definitely isn’t limited to the high school as the elementary schools as well as the middle school participate with their own dress up days and come out to the football game. Without the parents and businesses of this community participating, homecoming wouldn’t be at all possible.

Homecoming week is a week to revel and honor Austin High School’s spirit and accomplishments. Though we are separated by grade, we truly come together during the week and that unity continues as the year goes on. It’s anticipated every year and always comes together for a wonderful week. For the students, staff and community it’s a time for everyone to be truly celebrated. The students of Austin High School had a great homecoming week!