Many know what Homecoming is, but what is it really about? Homecoming is an annual celebration for high school students, alumni, and the community. Here at Freedom, we have multiple traditions for Homecoming. We have the bonfire, spirit week, pep rally, parade, fireworks, football game, and dance. The parade, bonfire, and fireworks were on Thursday, Sept. 28, the football game and pep rally was on Friday, Sept. 29, and the dance was Saturday, Sept. 30.
“The parade went really well. The rain was tough to deal with, but the band had a positive attitude the entire time,” said Ms. Emily Rickard, band director. “We played the song “Hail to the Bulldogs” during the parade. We didn’t need to work on the music much, because we knew the song pretty well, but we definitely worked on marching. But overall, it was a great night, kids had fun, and there was a great turnout.”
Prior to this year, Mr. Dale Kline was in charge of homecoming., Hhowever, this year Mr. Cole Eged and Mr. JustinTurpin were in charge.
“Yeah, it was nice being in charge of homecoming this year. I’d mostly give the credit to Mr. Turpin, he really spear-headed the majority of the activities, getting the permits, speaking to different organizations, getting everything allowed. I was really grateful to be on his team the whole time though,” Mr. Eged, said. “The student body matters the most out of all of the participants. I personally think that the most important part of this year’s homecoming was seeing it all come together.”
“I very much enjoyed being in charge this year. I think a lot of students participated in all of the festivities,” said Mr. Turpin. “ I think it brought the students and community together really well. The whole thing really wasn’t just for the high school students, it was really meant for the whole community. I would say for me, the best part was working with the homecoming court, and getting to meet the students and just get to know them a bit better. The reason that homecoming was in late September, instead of early October was because it just worked with the football schedule.”
“I absolutely loved Homecoming,” Abby Hodnick, senior, said. “It was such an amazing experience and an honor to be a part of something so fun! My favorite part was getting to be in the parade and seeing all my biggest supporters. In my opinion, homecoming was set up great! It was all absolutely perfect.” She said, “My favorite part of being on homecoming court was getting to get ready and dress up with my friends, and also getting to dance and have the most fun!”
“I had fun at homecoming! My favorite part was talking to everyone and having lots of fun with my friends,” Austin Anderson, 11th grader, said. “ I don’t think that homecoming was set up as well as last year’s but it was alright. The dance, itself, was okay but the music could’ve been better, and they should move it back to the cafeteria. I’d say my favorite festivity this year was probably spirit week or the parade.”
All in all, this year’s Homecoming had a great turn out and many are excited for next year!
