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School spirit on display at Hinsdale South homecoming
Anum Afzal (left) of Burr Ridge and Karson Kurzeja of Willowbrook dressed in neon Tuesday as part of homecoming week at Hinsdale South. | Rob Hart~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: October 21, 2012 2:02PM
DARIEN — There’s something about homecoming week for everyone to love.
After all, when else can you teach in your pajamas or take a math test in a grass skirt?
Homecoming festivities at Hinsdale South High School got under way Monday and will go non-stop through the dance in the field house on Saturday night.
“It is very early this year,” said faculty co-sponsor Tracy McDonald.
That means she, co-sponsor Rachel Stoughton and their group of student volunteers had less time than usual to put together the schedule of events.
Originally intended as an event for school alumni, homecoming has evolved over the years to become a celebration of school spirit, as well.
“It’s about promoting Hornet Nation,” McDonald said.
Senior Cristina Chavez said homecoming is a time for making high school memories. For Chavez, the highlight of the week is the Friday afternoon pep assembly, where the king and queen will be crowned.
“All the grades are together in the gymnasium,” Chavez said.
Chavez and fellow members of the Homecoming Committee were up early Sunday to prepare the school entrance for students’ arrival on Monday. After a full week of activities, the group will work their decorating magic on the South field house in preparation for Saturday’s dance.
Principal Brian Waterman encouraged the entire community to attend Tuesday’s parade, Stinger Bowl powder puff football game and bonfire, all of which were postponed from Monday to Tuesday due to a threat of rain.
“Homecoming week is when our entire community really comes together to support and celebrate with our students the importance of school pride,” Waterman said.
He hopes they also will turn out for the annual Faculty Variety Show at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the auditorium, 7401 Clarendon Hills Road, Darien. The evening of entertainment raises money for the Hinsdale High School Teachers Association’s Dollars for Scholars fund, which will help this year’s seniors pay for college.
Of course, the football game in the Hornet Stadium is a highlight, set to begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday against Leyden.
It’s a busy week for everyone, but that doesn’t mean teachers or students get to take a break from school.
“It is business as usual in the classroom,” McDonald said, even if students are dressed in pajama pants and slippers.
