The Class of 2029 dived into their first Homecoming spirit week filled with school spirit. Most freshmen started out this week wary about what was to come. Looking up to their upperclassmen, going all out with outfits and skits, the freshmen class gradually showed more school spirit. Defeating the sophomores and securing 1657 spirit points, the freshmen won 3rd place, as well as surpassing every grade in dress-up totals.
After experiencing the sheer school spirit students have during Homecoming week, the freshmen class now has something exciting to look forward to in their next three years at Lemont High School.
“I’m looking forward to more Homecoming weeks because now I’ve got a taste of it. So, I know it’ll be more fun, and as years go on, I’ll have more experience,” freshman Kendall Lee said.
Although many freshmen felt apprehensive going into Homecoming week as underclassmen, many others viewed the week as a unique opportunity that students can only experience once.
“I felt like [Homecoming week] was more exciting being an underclassman because it’s your first time doing all these things,” Lee said. “I didn’t even know about half the things like [watching] the skits in the field house. It’s fun experiencing those new things.”
As the freshmen get their first look at Homecoming week, the Class of 2026 went all out for their last Homecoming spirit week. From losing both their freshmen and sophomore spirit weeks, they have pulled through this year, scoring 1908 points and achieving 1st place. As well as placing first overall, the seniors raised the most money for both the gift card drive and the Lemont v. Hunger fundraiser.
“Everyone really got involved this year, especially with the gift card drive and [the] Lemont v. Hunger donations. The senior class practically did the fundraisers ourselves,” senior Bella Locascio said.
Despite a broad participation of students dressing up during Homecoming week, many seniors highlighted disappointment with the themes chosen for the dress up days.
“I thought 70’s/Disco Day and [West Coast vs.] Western Day were a little redundant since [the seniors did] Country vs Country Club our freshmen year,” senior Sonia Strzalka said. “And the theme for the dance last year was [also a] western [theme]. 70’s/Disco Day was also redundant since we did a type of generation day a couple of years ago, and then it was also our Homecoming [dance] theme our freshmen year.”
Although some of the dress-up days disappointed some seniors, both Generation Day and Class Color Day gained a lot of support from students, as some of their favorite dress-up days.
“It was really fun to see everyone dressed up [as senior citizens]. I really liked Class Color day since we are now seniors, and we felt very ‘untouchable,’” Strzalka said.
From underclassmen to upperclassmen, every student experiences Homecoming spirit week differently. As the freshman class looks forward to their next three Homecoming spirit weeks, the senior class bids a farewell to the annual high school tradition, reflecting on all four past years.
“I tried to make [my last Homecoming week] a good time, but overall my experience with Homecoming has been pretty great,” Locascio said. “I think trying new things over the years is always a good thing.”
