Under the stadium lights at Memorial, students gathered with blankets, snacks, and friends on Sept. 30 to enjoy Rio during West Chicago Community High School’s annual Homecoming Movie Night.
The event, hosted by Student Council, has become a favorite tradition of Homecoming week, alongside the BPA dodgeball tournament, pep assembly, parade, and football game. Students could watch the free movie, hang out with friends, or enjoy food sold by clubs and sports teams as part of their fundraising.
Students set up blankets on the football field during StuCo’s annual Movie Night. The movie started at 7 p.m., but the gates opened at 6:30, allowing students to find a good spot and settle in before the show.
One of the most popular vendors, Kona Ice, has returned for more than five years.
“I started bringing them into Food Fest, maybe five…well, there used to be another Kona Ice company, and they closed down. So then I got another Kona Ice to come,” Student Council adviser Candace Fikis said.
Many students were pleased with the Kona Ice truck, but others felt it had become repetitive – and a little too cold out for an icy treat. Senior Gael Munguia said Kona Ice is good, but he would prefer something warm, like hot chocolate with marshmallows or coffee, to stay comfortable throughout the night.
Multiple WEGO organizations sold concessions while representing themselves.
“Student Council is selling pop and water. Compass Club has got pizza and pink lemonade,” Fikis said.
Seniors Diego Lopez Escalante, Edgar Guevara, and Oliver Santiago sat together for their final Homecoming Movie Night.
“I really enjoy them. I feel like it’s a good social event. You can be here, watch a movie with your friends – it’s free, and it’s fun, you know,” senior Dana Salgado said.
Homecoming Movie Night has been a long-standing tradition for the past 11 years for students to spend time with their friends, and for underclassmen to experience one of their first high school events.
“I feel like it’s a good program for the underclassmen, for sure, getting their high school career started,” Munguia said.
