The Thomas Jefferson football team gears up for the homecoming game. photo by Sasha Mesropov
TJ Spartans settle down after a momentous Homecoming week.
After TJ’s spirit week festivities, students, staff, and even parents gathered to watch the spirited homecoming game Friday night at All City Stadium. The following night the students got cleaned up to go to a Night On the Boardwalk themed homecoming and danced the night away.
TJ kicked the week off with a traditional bonfire held in the Thomas Jefferson parking lot. The bonfire, once again, was successful in pumping up the Spartans for another righteous year. Senior Antonella Pereira said, “This year’s bonfire was a fantastic way to start off this school year.” Pereira also explained that she was very excited to partake in the upcoming spirit week that was to follow. Throughout the week Thomas Jefferson was humming with pride as students dressed for hippie day, safari day, character day, western day, and of course TJ day. Even faculty such as English teacher Amber Wilson and Science teacher Corielyn Cummins (among others) dressed up to show their pride for the TJ family.
After a spirit week filled with everything from hippies to decked out Spartans, students and staff gathered to cheer on our TJ football as they faced Harrison in a lively game. Despite the hard fight at All City stadium, TJ could not pull out the win, with a close game ending at 21-14. However, this meager loss didn’t stop the Spartans from having a blast, as the crowd was still full of spirit and love for TJ.
Although TJ football could not bring home a win, everyone looked their brightest for the annual homecoming dance. Students dressed to impress, looking as though they were really ready for a night on the boardwalk. As students entered by the dozen they were met with a dazzling gymnasium disguised as a dance floor and music that was sure to get anyone moving.
With World Language teacher and softball coach Kyler Jackson volunteering to DJ, there was not a dull moment during the night. As hours of dancing passed, the music was halted while homecoming royalty was finally crowned. Senior Emma Neuhart was crowned as Queen, while Senior Chris Scarborough was crowned as King. Although these two were victorious, the rest of the athletes were honored to be nominated and participate in the festivities.
To say the dance and its festivities were successful is an understatement. Principal Suzanne Morris-Sherer said, “Homecoming was a true testament to the spirit of the new TJ. The Leadership students and the Legion of Sparta, really made the events entertaining and made it a lot of fun to be a part of this year’s homecoming festivities.” She could not have summed it up better. Not only did the 2015 Homecoming help bring in a new school year, it will also hold memories for the TJ community until next time.
