TJ Football runs through a tunnel of cheerleaders to kick off the homecoming game. photo by Gina Theilmann
TJ’s spirit is on display during an eventful week of festivities.
After a momentous spirit week of festivities, TJ students, staff and parents came together at All City Stadium for the spirited Homecoming game on Friday, September 23rd. Saturday night, students cleaned up for Homecoming with the theme “A Night Under the Stars,” where they danced the night away.
To kick off the spirit week, TJ held the traditional bonfire in the school parking lot. As always, the bonfire was a success in getting the Spartans pumped for not only the upcoming week but for another great year. “Having the bonfire tradition every year is a great way to kick off Spirit week and bring everyone together. I always have fun at the bonfire and I know other people do too.” added senior Luis Gonzalez. Throughout the week, Spartans buzzed with spirit by dressing up for Rep Your Team Day, Greaser Day, International Day, Geeks vs. Jocks Day, and of course TJ Day.
Throughout the spirit week leading to the game, other festivities were also organized to prepare the Spartans for Homecoming. Following the bonfire, on Tuesday during lunch, a photo booth was set up with props for the Spartans to enjoy for Greaser Day. On Wednesday, food trucks with food from around the world were set up outside during Office Hours. To continue with spirit tradition, for the extended lunch on Thursday, the Seniors and Juniors battled in an intense Powder Puff football game, where the seniors pulled off a win of 18 to 12.
After a fun-filled spirit week, staff and students gathered at All City Stadium to cheer on TJ varsity football team in an intense game against Skyview. Despite the hard fight, TJ did not pull off the win, with a close game ending at 19-14. However, this didn’t stop the spirited crowd from having a great time.
Spartans still dressed to impress the following night at the Homecoming dance. This year, instead of the dance being held in the gymnasium, Leadership worked hard for the idea of an outside Homecoming and pulled off a dazzling, star gazing dance. “The main difficulty was pleasing the students. We made sure to tackle all problems we might have with having Homecoming outside. Overall it was stressful yet it was worth seeing the night light up with smiles from everyone and the stars that night.” said senior and member of Leadership, De’Janay Smith. With World Language teacher and softball coach Kyler Jackson as the DJ, there was never a moment without excitement and movement. After students danced the night away, the music was stopped to finally announce Homecoming royalty. This year, senior Tyra Allen and senior Dane Washington were crowned Homecoming Queen and King.
“I thought everything with spirit week went really well. It was great to see all the kids go to the pep rally and overall getting involved. I loved seeing all the TJ gear too! All the kids seemed to be having a lot of fun and it was an overall great week,” said Principal Mike Christoff.
