One of the most anticipated weeks at PHS is almost upon us. Homecoming week is a week of school spirit for the Panthers. With many activities to participate in, students are anticipating an exciting week.
The week of September 15-19 includes games, activities, and school spirit, and much goes into the planning by the student council.
Now this year, the homecoming dance looks a little different.
“Our theme is Seas the Day,” student council advisor JoEllen Varian said. “So it’s beach themed, and we’ve got a lot of the same fun activities that we’ve had in years past.”
The first day’s theme is Summer Vacation, encouraging students to dress as tacky tourists. The evening activity will feature a movie screening.
“Movie is going to be Lilo and Stitch, the animated version,” senior and student council president Audrey Johnson said. “It’s going to be at seven o’clock behind the stadium… It’s going to be super fun. There’s gonna be popcorn, so come get free popcorn… It’s free admission… so pull up with your blankets, pillows, snacks, and friends and watch the movie to ring in homecoming.”
Tuesday is a classic dress-up day for PHS, with each grade assigned a different color:
Freshmen are yellow, sophomores are red, juniors are blue, and seniors are green. In addition to the classic dress-up day, the student council has planned another tradition for the evening: Buff Puff.
“Daniel Easum himself is gonna make us a trophy out of wood,” junior student council member Sawyer Wormald said. “We’re gonna give all the… winners donuts and then we’re gonna have games on the side, like we’re gonna bring spike ball to play while you’re waiting… and corn hole.”
For Wednesday’s theme, students can dress up as their favorite movie character and participate in hat day. The evening’s event is arguably one of the most looked forward to, the Homecoming Olympics, an event hosted by the parent group.
“Homecoming Olympics is run by a group of parents that want something fun for their kids to do on a night where there is not a school-sponsored activity during homecoming week,” Homecoming Olympics planner Shelly Schultz said. “The games are set up to be for everyone, no athletic ability is required! I think the funnest part of the night is watching the costumes that everyone comes up with for their teams. The culminating event is the tug-of-war into a pit of water. Even if you don’t get dragged into the pit, most kids end up jumping in. It is such a fun night… The atmosphere is electric!”
Thursday’s theme is Sleepy Summer, so students are encouraged to show up in their favorite pajamas for a cozy day at school. In the evening, the community can enjoy a tailgate put on by the student council before the Lady Panthers gear up for their first home volleyball game of the season.
“I hope it’s gonna go good,” senior volleyball player Hali Hancock said. “It’s a lot of new girls this year on varsity… We play Rocky, so I think that’ll be a good game.”
Friday wraps up the week with Orange and Black Day, the ultimate chance to show your Panther pride. The day is packed with the all-school assembly, Homecoming parade after school, the much-anticipated football game, and the Homecoming dance to end the night and week.
“I feel like our team’s made a lot of improvements,” junior and starting quarterback Tanner Seifert said. “We have a really young team, but I think as the weeks go on, every day, we’re getting a little bit better. I think you could really see it at the end of the Worland game. Our defense started to click, and our offense was moving the ball a lot better. So as long as we continue to stay together, I think we’ll be good and we’ll have a good chance.”
“So the administrators do want it on Friday after the football game, but the same rules still apply,” Varian said. “Go home from the football game and get changed really quick… The plan is to have it starting at eight o’clock and go till eleven. The same rules as last year, no outside participants for this dance… Just hang out and have some fun.”
