Twice a year, the Blind Brook community comes together in support of our school’s sports teams as they compete against other teams in our athletic division. These two weekends in autumn and winter, commonly known as “Homecoming,” provide a break from the books and an occasion for the entire student body to show its spirit.
Other than the change in season and temperature, not much is different about these two events except for the Homecoming dance, which Senate holds each year in the High School Commons during Winter Homecoming. Both weekends consist of sporting events, spirit, and special activities courtesy of Senate.
“My favorite part of homecoming is watching the whole school, teachers and administrators included, get involved in traditions, participate in dress up days and have fun at the pep rally,” said Stephanie Jacobs, Senate’s faculty adviser and Homecoming Coordinator.
Although we at Blind Brook are accustomed to these traditions, other schools have very different practices.
Wootton High School in Rockville, Maryland celebrates Homecoming only once each year: in the fall. Like Blind Brook, this school prepares for its sacred sports weekend with spirit week. On the Friday before the weekend, Wootton has a pep rally during the school day, which is followed by their football game that night. On the same October weekend, Wootton hosts its Homecoming dance. Like our high school, the ladies wear formal dresses and the gentlemen wear suits and ties. The majority of students attend the dance with a group of friends. They prepare for the dance with a series of Prom-esque activities like pre-party picture taking and dinner, as well as a party bus for transportation.
Right in our backyard is Scarsdale High School, another school which only hosts fall homecoming. Unlike Blind Brook and Wooton, Scarsdale does not gear up for the weekend with spirit week. Due to low attendance records, the school no longer provides a student dance to celebrate the school’s sports accomplishments. However, the student body does celebrate its Raider spirit during Pride Week, which honors fall athletes. Additionally, many students support the sports department by attending Scarsdale’s Homecoming football game.
“I like the idea of one big Homecoming and I think if we combine what Wootton does in terms of their dance and what we do, it would be a lot more festive and more fun for the students,” said sophomore Lily Kamin.
“I like Wootton’s Homecoming because [of] the way it is scheduled and the events they have…I would also [prefer to have only] one homecoming,” said freshman Lilli Trevino.
“Homecoming is about bringing the community together. It is especially meaningful at Blind Brook because of the fact that the schools are the hub of the community. It is wonderful to see the returning alumni and so many community members coming together to support the teams. I love the fact that every generation is represented at Homecoming from small children to seniors,” said Principal Patricia Lambert.