By MIKE MCNIELWhat is Homecoming? Homecoming is a tradition started in 1911 by the University of Missouri in which schools welcomed students and alumni back to class for the new school year! It’s a party, a parade, a football game, a dance, and an election of court! It’s a celebration of the year to come!
But … What does it mean to you?!?!?!
I started by asking a few alumni what homecoming meant to them. Lizbeth Guarello class of 2015 said, “I don’t think it really meant anything to me except it was a fun time and I made memories I will never forget”. Taylor Jaramillo, also a class of 2015 grad added, “Homecoming was one of the most exciting times of the year for me! It was like everyone was getting along and ready to have fun! It’s also the only football game where pretty much everyone attends!” 2015 Grad Chantel Perkins stated, ”I think the best part is dressing up and getting ready with your friends! Making memories I will cherish forever!”
From there I went on to the football team. 2014 alumnus and football team member Brian Geyer stated, ”It’s more than just another game. It is a game that is about the whole school. You weren’t trying to win for just you or your teammates. You were winning a game for the community, teachers, students, fans, and alumni.” Junior running back Ryan McNiel added, “It’s one of the biggest games of the year for us and the community. It’s the game you know the stands will be full and the whole town will be there supporting us!”
Next up was the student body. Sophomore Noah White said, ”It’s about celebrating fun times and returning to school!” Senior Tom Maggiore was more enthusiastic when stating, ”Homecoming means taking an amazing girl on an amazing night, the dance is awesome, the bonfire, and after the dance maybe hanging out with friends in the Jemez around a campfire!”
So no matter what it means to you, Homecoming is about having fun no matter what your role is! So student, football player, alumni, community member, everyone, should jump up and have some fun this week! Let’s Go Toppers!
Schedule of events:
- Bonfire Wednesday 8 p.m.
- Parade Friday on Central Avenue 2:30 p.m.
- Football Game Friday 7 p.m.
- Dance Saturday 8 p.m.
