This past week, Athens Academy had homecoming. Throughout the week, students had the opportunity to participate in the fun through activities like the Monday Madness flag football game, amusing dress-up days, and being part of the 4 committees for their grade. Overall, homecoming week is a fun way for kids to get involved in school spirit and take a step back from the stress of their classes.
This year’s theme was holidays, with the seniors taking St. Patrick’s Day, the juniors embracing July 4th, the sophomores getting into the holiday spirit with Christmas, and the freshmen going all out with Halloween. Junior, Chloe Love Bell, shared her take on the junior class’s theme.
“I liked the July 4th pick,” Love-Bell said. “I think it was probably the better option out of most of the other themes!”
The dress-up themes were a highlight this year, with kids enthusiastically bringing out their imaginative sides. Monday was dynamic-duo day, Tuesday was anything but a backpack, Wednesday was movie characters, Thursday was Jersies, and Friday was class themes day. The dress-up days were senior Emiliana Korin’s favorite part of the week.
“My favorite part was seeing everybody dressed up for the spirit days,” Korin said. “I think it’s really fun, and I loved seeing how creative everyone got.”
On Friday, the school held its annual homecoming parade, where each grade displayed floats, threw out noise makers, and showcased their banners. Each item was designed by the grade committees. The pep rally was full of excitement as the 12th man class introduced new games, like the pushup contest, where high schoolers from each grade competed to see how many push-ups they could do with a lower-schooler on their back. The game was won by senior Jack Ryan. Upper school AP US History teacher and senior advisor, John Scharfenberg, explained his wholesome favorite part of the week, showing that while homecoming week is high school-centered, the entire school gets involved on Friday.
“I think the parade with the whole school would be my favorite,” said Mr. Scharfenberg. “Particularly the kindness club marching in front and followed by all the floats that the students have worked on.”
The week was closed out with the Friday football game, where senior Josie Collins was announced as the Homecoming Queen, and a fun dance on Saturday night at the baseball facility. Homecoming week is a favorite Acad tradition that will forever hold fond memories.
