Homecoming students celebrate with the classics

In celebration of this season's Homecoming, students have decorated the local high school to represent four different classic movies. Homecoming decorations help make the celebration week exciting for the students, according to science teacher Karen Curran.

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"As sophomore class sponsor," Curran said, "I really enjoy working with the kids on the decorations. I love how their enthusiasm and creativity comes out and how great they work together to accomplish such a large task in such a short amount of time, and then the pride that they have when the job is done."

While the sophomores were decorating the entryway of the high school to represent the movie "Titanic", the freshmen decorated their hallway in a "Grease" motif. Local high school students will have to be careful not to get lost in space as they walk down the junior hallway, which is decorated in a "Star Wars" theme. However, if they follow the senior hallway's yellow brick road, they will soon find their way to "The Wizard of Oz."

The class decorations are just part of the activities conducted during homecoming week. According to FSHS Latin teacher Ron Klassen, the various activities the students participate in will leave a permanent impression on them.

"Homecoming activities provide students who participate the opportunity for lasting memories," Klassen said. "Years from now they can recall the friendships that may have been made by meeting others who participate. Many best friends in high school remain best friends for life."

Dress-up days, another favorite homecoming ritual, provides opportunities for the students to express themselves in creative ways, according to science teacher Linda Houston.

"It (dress-up days) gives them (students) a chance to express themselves and go a little wild and crazy," Houston said.

FSHS speech and drama teacher Patty LaRoche said she also enjoys the themed dress-up days. This year's themes include Weird Hair Day, Career Day, Polka Dot Day, Pajama Day and Class Color Day. During each of these days, the students' participation makes the day enjoyable even for those who do not partake, LaRoche said.

"From outrageous ratted styles to crooked pigtails, the hairstyles of our students can't help but bring a smile to even the non-participants' faces," LaRoche said.

Although the students participate in hallway decoration and dress-up contests during the week-long homecoming event, Curran said the celebration enables students and faculty to join together for one common purpose.

"It's (homecoming) a way to feel united across the grade levels and also develop a connection to the community," Curran said. "So many alumni live in the area, and it's as much for them as it is for the current students. Sure, there's competition for decorations and dress-up days, but I hope they feel like we're all on the same team and feel united in the fact that we all support the Tigers."

At 2:10 p.m. Friday, students and faculty will participate in a homecoming assembly which will be the highlight of the week for some of the faculty. The pep rally will be an exhibit of school pride, according to physical education teacher Tracey Bogina.

"I enjoy seeing many of our community attend the homecoming pep assembly, as well as our past students," Bogina said. "Our sponsors do a great job of presenting a good homecoming assembly. The significance it plays in our school is the pride it shows from our school and community. Fort Scott High School has a proud tradition, and it really shows during homecoming week."

According to FSHS social science teacher David Brown, homecoming week is an opportune time for students to partner together in a show of school spirit.

"Homecoming at FSHS is an exciting week," Brown said. "I have always enjoyed the class bonding during the week. When each class comes together to compete and exhibit their class pride and ultimately whole hearted school pride. The opportunity to participate in the week's activities, brings out the best in many students."

The homecoming night festivities not only gives the students a chance to show their support, but community members as well, according to Houston.

"I love going to the game on Friday night," Houston said. "The kids are excited and ready to cheer, but so are the parents and the rest of the community. It's a great atmosphere and fun for the whole family."

FSHS Activities Director Larry Fink said homecoming is a good time to look back to prior years and acknowledge achievements.

"Homecoming is always a great time for alumni to reunite and reminisce," Fink said. "My favorite part of homecoming is the excitement and electricity it presents at the sporting events. Very few events can bring a community together as cheering together for the same cause, especially when it is for our young folks."