APS Homecoming to have slightly different look this year
Published 7:18 pm Monday, September 9, 2024
- The Austin Homecoming court rolls by during the Austin Homecoming parade last year. Herald filed photo
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The Austin Public School District, largely driven by student input, is adjusting how it will carry out Homecoming this year.
While many of the familiar events return this year, there will be some new additions including a competition service event that will pair with the Hometown Food Security Project.
“They approached the school and we are working with them to do these food packs,” said Emily Hovland during an Austin School Board meeting Monday night. “(Students) are learning how they can help with other food needs in the community.”
That competition will be featured into a new way the Battle of Connects is held when it conforms to more of a year-long competition with the familiar games of Homecoming week expected to be held in the spring.
It will also be part of a busy Thursday during Homecoming week that will include the annual distinguished alumni ceremony followed by the service event, which will include the packaging of 24,000 snack packs on the lawn of Austin High School.
Hovland explained that about four times throughout the year there will be additional events held during the school day.
Planning for this new format started last spring and continued toward the start of this current school year. There will be a kick-off pepfest on the Friday before Homecoming week, which will be Sept. 23-28.
There is no school on Monday and then another pepfest will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 24 where the Homecoming court will be announced. It will also be SPAM day.
Wednesday will be a normal day along with Neon Day. Along with the distinguished alumni program and service competition on Thursday, the traditional bonfire event will be that night at Wescott Athletic Complex.
Friday is Red and White Day and will feature coronation, which in the past has been on a Wednesday. A kickball game and pepfest will be held later in the day followed by the parade Friday afternoon and the Homecoming game that night against Faribault.
On Saturday will be the dance and the activity night at Wescott Athletic Complex.
