TJ’s Homecoming week comes to an end, after a memorable week full of old and new festivities.
Photo by Maddi Doro
As students are finally back into a school routine, homecoming week is thrown into the mix to celebrate the new year and give students something to look forward to.
This year TJ added new traditions to spice up homecoming week in addition to the variety of customs done in past years. A school picnic was the first event new to TJ. This brought fellow Spartans together to celebrate their spirit and pride towards the school. With music, arranged by Danny Showers, and food and refreshments provided by Jimmy Johns, Frito Lays, Einstein Bros, and Pepsi, Student Council collaborated to organize the TJ spirit picnic.
The picnic went off without a hitch. With the administration, faculty, and students in attendance, all enjoyed the food, music, and coming together as a community. “[At the picnic] we had all the Pepsi you could drink and a really good DJ who played lots of great music. The Picnic went better than we hoped for. We were really happy with the number of students that attended; it included more diversity and students we don’t usually see at these sorts of events,” said Student Council Advisor JoAnne Moreno.
The picnic went so incredibly well; it is now well on its way to becoming another TJ Homecoming and Eros spirit week tradition. “The picnic was a great way to bring us all together and pump us all up for Homecoming. I can’t wait for the next one!” said Senior Mia Nogueira.
The next event was one very familiar to TJ: the exciting game of Powder Puff. The Powder Puff game is a deep-rooted spirit week tradition here at TJ, where the junior and senior girls both create teams and demonstrate their football skills out on the TJ turf field. “I wanted to play to carry on the tradition of the game. I was most excited to play because I’m a senior, and the seniors always win,” said Senior Catherine Ramirez.
Though the seniors always steal the show, the juniors always have a blast, too. Having the torch passed on from seniors to juniors, creates a special bond among the girls. “I enjoyed playing Powder Puff because this year was my first. It is a sort of rite of passage for the juniors, seeing as freshmen and sophomores can’t play. I couldn’t wait to play what has become a legendary game,” said Junior Maddi Doro.
The seniors won the Powder Puff game 6-0, sneaking in one touchdown near the end of the game. The girls all had fun working with their classmates and competing to win. The game was evenly matched, keeping it exciting up until the very end.
This year’s Pep Rally was hosted by Seniors Karisma Fears, Elizabeth Sypniewski, and Ian Melnicoe. These enthusiastic seniors were handpicked by the Student Council and Leadership class. “I was very impressed by the student MCs running pep rally. They got the entire student body fired up and excited for the game,” said TJ’s newest Assistant Principal Mike Christoff. The Spartan gym was full of pride and created a supportive atmosphere.
The drum line, cheerleaders, choir, sports role call, and ROTC, all contributed to the energetic crowd. “I saw a lot of spirit, pride and support towards one another at the pep rally; the students were all inclusive and accepting, adding to our positive school culture,” said Principal Sandra Just who felt this was a great way to create enough TJ spirit to pour into the parade, football game, and dance.
Photo by Mia Nogueira
There were multiple tailgates before TJ’s homecoming game to offer a place to gather before the kickoff. All were successful due to a large group effort from Assistant Principal and Activities Director Lani Nobles, JoAnne Moreno, Erin Thompson, Waunetta Vann, Derek Steffes, and Kendra Black any many other TJ volunteers. “The tailgates were well orchestrated; everyone pitched in, and it was a great way to get everyone involved,” said Moreno.
Photo by Mia Nogueira
There were two tailgates outside of the stadium and a VIP tent located next to the field. The Alumni Friends and Faculty tailgate was organized mainly by Black and Nobles with Jennifer Humphrey and the alumni providing the food. The Alumni were all able to gather and continue their celebration of 50 years at TJ. Another tailgate was provided for TJ students, furnished with food and brown and gold gear. The VIP tent was open to alumni, administration, coaches, teachers, the homecoming royalty candidates and their families.
To conclude the Homecoming festivities was the anticipated dance. Over 500 tickets were sold to the dance, making this one of TJ’s biggest turnouts. “The dance was phenomenal; there were no issues, which made it an exciting and seamless night,” said Assistant Principal Scott Lessard.
Near the end of the night, Homecoming Court was announced, naming Nick Becker as Homecoming King and Kira Rodriguez as Homecoming Queen. “It was such a great honor to be nominated for something that takes a huge role in school pride and tradition. Homecoming King is looked at as a role model and leader in the school; I plan to continue to set the example for my fellow classmates,” said Becker, who sported a crown and sash for the remainder of the night.
All nominees were pleasantly surprised to be nominated for royal court. “This made my senior year that much better and memorable,” said Rodriguez. All students danced the night away with TJ Spanish Teacher Kyler Jackson as DJ.
The Spartans were successful in their efforts to lavish TJ with their support of having a fun and inclusive Homecoming week, which will become the catalyst for their ongoing Spartan pride.
