Homecoming unites alumni, current students, teachers, coaches and the general community with annual traditions. While each school community tweaks these traditions to fit its personality, similar basic activities occur at most homecoming celebrations. It usually includes activities for students and alumni, such as sports and culture events and a parade through the streets of the city or town.
Across America, homecoming is celebrated in a variety of ways, with some common observances, and other, more unique traditions. In the current era of homecoming, the most prevalent theme is school pride and class unity. In days gone by, however, homecoming began as something just a little bit different.
The first homecoming to place the event around a central sports theme, on a college campus, was Baylor University. The very first homecoming, however, is disputed in origin. The tradition that has evolved and instituted itself firmly in UHS's history and future began as sports rivalry in either Missouri, or Illinois, possibly even as early as 1891, at state universities.
Though the rivalry for "first homecoming" is ongoing, the University of Missouri is favored by the NCAA, Jeopardy! and Trivial Pursuit as the creator of homecoming. It is said that by the 1920s, homecoming had already spread across the nation as a popular exhibition of school pride.
Originally, homecoming was precisely what the compound word indicates. When homecoming first became a tradition, it was a way to welcome alumni back, often culminating in a varsity sports game. Instead of football singularly, however, varsity sports could include basketball, or even ice hockey as well.
At UHS, even the more modern traditions include elements from older versions of homecoming celebrations. Perhaps the most prominent example of this is the Homecoming Court, which includes a King and Queen, and in many educational institutions, a Prince and Princess as well. Some of the annual activities - spirit rallies and a parade - are based almost entirely on the model created by the University of Missouri.
As per the original traditions, UHS's weeklong celebration of homecoming will culminate in a varsity football game against Santa Rosa High School. Preceding the football game is the customary parade, in which much of the community takes part.
A week of school-spirit activities lead up to the football game and dance. The types of spirit activities vary but typically include dress-up days, with a different theme each day of the week. Special competitions between classes add to the atmosphere during homecoming week. A student pep rally culminates spirit week and fires up the student population for the traditional football game.
Parade
A parade through the community leads up to the football game and dance during homecoming week. Classes from the high school often collaborate to create floats or other parade entries. The football team, cheerleaders and school band typically make an appearance. Younger school students may also participate in the parade in various formats. The theme of school spirit pervades many of the parade floats. Other community organizations join the homecoming parade to show support.
Homecoming Royalty
The crowning of the homecoming king and queen highlights the festivities for the student body. The homecoming royalty candidates typically come from the senior class, with the high-school student body voting on the winners. The crowning ceremony may occur during an evening pep rally or during halftime at the homecoming football game. The crowning of king and queen is primarily ceremonial, without many actual duties associated with the position.
Football
Homecoming generally falls during football season, with a game highlighting the end of the week. The football game allows the entire community to join in support of the team and the school. Alumni frequently return to the community to enjoy the homecoming football game. Halftime showcases the homecoming royalty and the band adds additional entertainment.
Homecoming Dance
A homecoming dance also caps the week, either following the football game or on another weekend evening. The formality of the dance varies by school, ranging from a casual school dance to a formal event. The attendance of alumni at the dance also varies depending on school rules and preferences.
