On October 2, 2021, the students of West Chicago Community High School will experience their first Homecoming since the COVID-19 pandemic. Activities will take place all around WEGO, including a dance, to be located in the West parking lot of the high school. The week starts off on Friday, September 24, with the decoration of the school. Each class will have its own theme: the freshmen are in the 2000s, the sophomores are in the ’80s, the juniors are in the ’60s, the seniors are in the ’70s, and the teachers are in the ’90s. The students will kick off on Monday with a dodgeball tournament in the Bishop gym. On Tuesday, there will be a movie night on the football field (the movie is not yet decided). On Thursday, everyone is highly encouraged to attend the soccer game at Memorial Stadium at 7:00 p.m.

The activities offer students a return to normalcy, but safety is still a concern. Marc Wolfe, Activity Director, said, “[The homecoming coordinators] want to have it fun and festive, but also keep in mind that we need to be conscious of [the pandemic].”

Friday will be the most eventful day of the week in festivities. After the shortened school day, there will be a Food Fest held outside of the school followed by the Homecoming parade that will feature many different clubs and activities held at WEGO. Powder Puff will make an appearance for the first time since 2019 as the juniors and seniors face off. At 5:00 p.m., the JV football game kicks off and at 7:00 p.m., the Varsity game. Students and West Chicago community members are very hopeful that the team will take home the win. 

When asked about what they are looking forward to most about Homecoming this year, senior Sol Perezchica said, “I’m most excited for the mosh pit and hopefully [the football team] will win.”

Sophomore Julissa Salinas added, “I’m super excited about seeing my friends at the dance.” 

On Saturday night, the moment that everyone has been waiting for, the dance, will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the West parking lot between Entrances A and B. The DJ this year has a lot in store for all who attend, including everyone’s favorite hits and a laser light show. There will be snacks and drinks in the Commons when students are ready to take a break from the outside festivities. Students can enjoy a night like no other with their friends, and take in the beginning of what may soon be normalcy. 

Social Studies teacher and Student Council advisor Candace Fikis describes the Homecoming experience as, “The week is just electric, that Friday is just so much fun. The whole school stops and enjoys, has fun together, has school spirit, and I have missed it so much.”

Homecoming 2021 marks the first event since the pandemic that will bring the school community back together. Students are encouraged to check out and participate in the activities, take advantage of this opportunity, and make the best out of the new experience.