Walking the halls, one can’t help but notice the Disney-decorated doors and streamer-lined walls. A group of students pass by in pastel colors assigned to their graduating class and songs from movies such as Moana, Toy Story, and The Jungle Book play through the speakers. The lunchroom is stuffed with floating glitter-filled balloons and a Rapunzel and Flynn Rider photobooth face cut-out stands next to the tables.

In the weekdays leading up to West Chicago Community High School’s Homecoming, students, teachers, clubs, and sports worked to make Saturday’s dance a true “once upon a time” night.

While Pep Club planned the pep assembly activities, Student Council advertised their Spirit Week themes. Horticulture Club drew Bambi on the whiteboards in the science nucleus, and the dance team decorated outside the studio. The WEGO community became strongly involved in making the 2024 homecoming memorable.

Spirit week themes consisted of “You’ve Got A Friend in Me” twinning on Tuesday, Monsters University college wear on Wednesday, pastel rainbow class colors on Thursday, and WEGO wear on Friday. Because there was no school on the Monday before HOCO, students are able to redeem their loss on the Monday after with pajama day.

“Participating in homecoming spirit week is important because it shows school spirit and it gets the student hyped up for the homecoming dance,” Student Council member junior Valeria Ballines said.

During their 30-minute periods, Den classes worked together to decorate their doors with various Disney designs throughout HOCO week. Some designs included Toy Story, Cinderella, Mickey Mouse ears, and Peter Pan. The multiple bright colors and designs served as an additional reminder to get involved, help out with decorating and spirit, and attend homecoming. This was one of many challenges Den holds throughout the year, making it a school-wide effort.

“Door decor is something that brings out the creativity in the students, it allows for the school to be festive together through HOCO week. The competition is also super fun,” junior Alondra Cardiel said.

Along with door decorations, the hallways, walls, and even ceilings were spiced up. Clubs and sports took time after school to add their personal touch of spirit to WEGO, buying ribbons, streamers, and balloons. In addition to this, sports players also received handmade HOCO posters which were taped onto their lockers.

“I was so surprised. [The posters] are super cute and it makes me more excited for homecoming,” volleyball player junior Gracie Perry said.

As the Friday half-day ended, students headed out to the football field to watch the pep assembly. Attendees were split up by grade level, and participants were brought onto the field to compete in a series of Disney-themed games such as “Under the Sea” apple bobbing. Cheerleaders and dancers also previewed their routines for Friday’s football game, and HOCO Queen and King were chosen.

“The pep assembly is great at getting the WEGO community together and a great way to get the students involved and show school pride,” junior Ale Muñoz said.

After the pep assembly, students were welcomed to buy from multiple different food stands which subject departments and clubs run to fundraise for their groups. The options ranged from hot chocolate to pizza, and the roads in front of the school were blocked off in order to host all the tables set up. Citizens filled the area and grabbed a bite to eat.

“I went because I was hungry. The food was good, maybe more variety next time. I got a hotdog from the math department [and] grilled cheese and tomato soup [from NHS],” sophomore Noah Case said.

Yet another way students were able to get involved as well as bring in the community spirit was through the homecoming parade. Cars full of sports such as wrestling and clubs including WEGO drama roamed the streets as they were led by the marching band. Kids from Leman Middle School and Gary Elementary lined up at the curbs to catch candy thrown by the high school students.

“Seeing the smiles on the little kids really reminds me of how I was there only a couple of years ago and that I really grew a part of the WEGO community,” wrestler junior John Benitez said.

The junior versus senior girls’ powderpuff concluded the events leading up to West Chicago’s homecoming football game and dance. High school boys were in charge of coaching their grades’ teams, and as the crowd roared, seniors ultimately took the victory.

“[Powderpuff] was a good experience [and I got] to have fun with my friends. I’ll forever remember these memories,” junior Sophia Resendez said.