By Katie Lillemon and Andrea Malo

Austin High School

Homecoming is an important part of the Austin community. It brings our community together, and brings a sense of belonging and pride to students and adults alike.

Homecoming is a wonderful part of the many Austin Packer activities that we have at Austin High School. During Homecoming week, students are able to participate in a variety of events such as Battle of Connects and watching Packer athletes compete in many sports including the tradition of the homecoming football game. This year our homecoming theme is Tackle the Tigers.

Students at AHS have a variety of activities to participate in during Homecoming Week. Homecoming Week officially starts with a kick-off pep fest hosted by the Student Council. The pep fest gets the students excited for the upcoming events and includes a fashion show featuring students in their dress-up day attire including pajama day, dress up day, class color day, Spam day with a special visit from the Spam and Hormel mascot “Spammy” during lunch and Friday is scarlet and white day and our day to show school pride. The homecoming court will also be announced at the pepfest.

Thursday is one of the days most looked forward to by our students because of Battle of Connects. This event started because of our Distinguished Alumni who remembered their own experiences at Austin High School. Before the students have an opportunity to compete, we take time to first honor this year’s Distinguished Alumni with an assembly. Then, that afternoon students take part in the Battle of Connects: a series of competitions to determine which class is the best. Students will be involved in many different activities throughout the day such as an obstacle course, egg toss, name that movie quote and various others. Every class has their own color and shirt; Freshman are orange, Sophomores are green, Juniors are blue, and Seniors are black. This is a fun way to celebrate homecoming and gives the students a chance to compete against one another.

As students at AHS it is important to give back to our community because our community supports us. As a part of Homecoming week, AHS students will conduct a food drive. Students collect non-perishable food until Tuesday, October 4, and donate it to the Salvation Army food shelf. To collect more food, we have a competition between Connects. The grade that collects the most items for the food drive wins the competition and contributes to the Battle of Connect points.

Other traditions are also carried on at AHS include Powder Puff football on Sunday night, crowning our homecoming king and queen on Wednesday afternoon, bonfire on Thursday night and the homecoming parade Friday at 3:30 p.m.

Homecoming week and its festivities are very important to the students at Austin High School and a way for our community to come together. It is an opportunity for students to build and carry on traditions and a way for the community and alumni to remember their own high school experiences. We are proud to be Packers and excited for a week of activities that show our school and community spirit. Go Packers!
—Katie Lillemon us a ninth grade Student Council representative. Andrea Malo is the Student Council advisor.