Many things mark the beginning of the school year; seeing old friends, starting new classes, and debriefing the past summer. However, another quintessential “back-to-school” event for Flint Hill students is Husky Homecoming.
While some know it for the sports, and others for the dance, Homecoming is undoubtedly a fun experience for all. Taking place on the 28th of September, this year’s Homecoming is bound to have tons of activities for all ages. Kicking off with the iconic Pep Rally and Bonfire, students can bond over hot chocolate and school-wide games and contests. Associate Director of College Counseling, Freshman Class Dean, and Flint Hill parent Andrew Kane shared some of his thoughts on the bonfire, saying, “It’s an exciting time for the entire community to come together. As a parent of lower schoolers, my kids love to come up to the upper school and see the sports games and bonfire activities…All of the little kids are cheering at the front of the bonfire group watching experience, and all together it embodies the Flint Hill spirit…my kids ask to go to the bonfire every year, honestly, it’s really a core memory.”
With activities ranging from glow-in-the-dark tag with glow sticks, to cart races in the gym, the Bonfire and the Pep Rally serve as a great intro into one of the most iconic weekends of the year.
Moving into the big day itself, there are numerous activities to look forward to. Including the Homecoming football game, community building games (which have included bocce ball and cornhole), and various spirited Husky activities. Junior receiver Russell Reeder shared a few of his thoughts about the Homecoming game, “I think the Homecoming football game is awesome because it’s not only fun for the players, but also for the audience; where everyone can show their love and pride for our school at the biggest game of the season.” While only the voice of one, it can be sure that Reeder speaks for the broader football team and the wider Flint Hill community.
Following a day of fun on the field, Homecoming night proves to be just as exciting as the day. The Homecoming dance takes place every year in the Upper School Commons. With a photo booth, DJ, and many opportunities to make memories, the Homecoming dance is definitely a highlight of the year. While the event is mainly catered to the students, some faculty chaperones join in on the fun and enjoy the dancing, music, and adrenaline-filled crowd of Huskies.
While Homecoming is a time of year dedicated to fun and community, it is also important to acknowledge how much work goes into creating such a memorable event. Both students and faculty put in immeasurable time and energy dedicated to decorating, planning, and executing the multitude of Homecoming activities. Students and sponsors of the Student Council Association (SCA) and Athletic Advisory Council (AAC) work to design a night to remember by coordinating themes, events, and spirit. Junior class SCA representative Stella Randall shared a few words about the upcoming event, “This year’s Homecoming theme is ‘Gloco,’ and the SCA is super excited to kick off this year with a fun dance. It will be different from other dances in the past with respect to decorations and atmosphere, so we [the SCA] are excited to see how it pans out.” Randall predicts a great Homecoming this year, and she and the SCA are excited to share their work with the student body.
Ultimately, Homecoming weekend is much more than just a spirited high school assembly; it embodies what it means to be a Husky. From building a community through tradition, like at the Bonfire, or cheering on a friend at the game, Homecoming is a perfect opportunity to see what makes Flint Hill such a special place.
