Homecoming Week at SDHS

Homecoming: a celebration of school spirit and a recognition of alumni. Each fall, high schools and colleges all across the nation celebrate homecoming, usually with a big football game, pep rally, and, in most high schools, a dance. These events are often accompanied by a week’s worth of school spirit celebrations, including the coronation of a homecoming queen.

The origin of homecoming is commonly disputed. At the University of Missouri, football coach and athletic director Chester Brewer called for alumni to “come home” in 1911, claiming for decades to come that he started the nationwide phenomenon of homecoming.

The University of Illinois prides itself on the creation of homecoming as well, telling the tale that two students started the event and promoted it in the school newspaper titled The Illini. However, an 84-page document published in 1910 provides reasonable proof that Baylor University had the first-ever homecoming. Though this is the most plausible founder of homecoming, it is still unclear, leaving the nation with a mystery. 

Here at Soddy Daisy, the homecoming game will be played on Friday, October 3rd, against Ooltewah. Last season, the Trojans beat the Owls 28-0, so hopes are high that we can replicate a victory. Additionally, this game will be Soddy’s first home game under the new safety regulations announced by Hamilton County this past week for all sporting events.

While Soddy Daisy doesn’t have a homecoming dance, there are plenty of other traditions and events to anticipate celebrating in the coming weeks! For example, the signature shopping cart parade! Shopping carts are provided by Walmart and decorated by organizations, teams, and classrooms all over the school to be shown off at the homecoming pep rally. Additionally, there will be dress-up days each day of Homecoming Week. 

On Monday, dress as a character, object, or theme that shares the same first letter as your name. For example, if your name is Emma, you could be an elephant or Ellen Degeneres. 
On Tuesday, grab a buddy and dress as a pair of rhymes! For example, you could be Santa and Fanta, or Cat in the Hat and a baseball bat.
Wednesday is Disney day. Dress as your favorite Disney character or reference!
Thursday’s theme is Bikers vs. Surfers. Grab your helmet or your surfboard!
Finally, Friday is spirit day. Wear your best blue and gold to hype up for the big homecoming game that night!

Class will also have the opportunity to participate in the door decorating contest. Each participating class will be provided with the materials to create their own homecoming-themed door. The doors will be judged, and the most creative, eye-catching doors will win. 

The athleticism of the school is not only seen on the football field on Friday night but all week long during the Homecoming Games. Think Olympic games, but on a smaller scale, but all the same pageantry of the opening ceremony. Classes will compete in a variety of events to see which one has the most school spirit and competitive spirit. 

Everything kicks off Monday September 29th, with a carnival at the school from 6 PM to 8 PM. Additionally, there will be a cornhole tournament on Tuesday at 6 PM. Each team must pay only $10 to enter. Finally, the homecoming game will start at 7:00 PM on Friday. Make sure to sport your best blue and gold to come support the Trojans!