Coming Home
By Carolyn Lyon James
In these early days of September, it is difficult to let go of summer. The days are still hot and dry. The sun still sets late in the evening. And memories of idyllic vacations are still fresh in our minds. But with a few weeks of school already under our belts, it is getting easier to fall back into our routines, to find a rhythm, and to look forward to working with this year’s students. But just as we start to get comfortable with our routines, and establish a familiar pattern with students, something comes along in the middle of September to disrupt it all: Homecoming Week.
I have fond memories of Homecoming Week from when I was in high school. Every day had a different theme: Crazy Socks Day, Dress as Twins Day, Dress from the ‘60s Day, and Spirit Day, when everyone dressed in the school’s colors. Nothing has changed that much from then until now, except the vintage day is now called Dress from the ‘90s Day. (That one seemed silly to me until I realized that the ‘90s were 30 years ago.) As we go through the week, I can feel the excitement growing each day, until it finally culminates and erupts on Friday, the day of the big football game, and ends with the homecoming dance on Saturday. I enjoy seeing all the fun and crazy costumes that the kids put together, even if they are a distraction to themselves and others as they try to concentrate in their geometry or biology classes.
But how did the homecoming tradition start, and why do we continue it today? A few different universities claim to be the origin of homecoming, one of them being the University of Missouri. In 1911, new football conference rules were put in place: Instead of playing the annual match-up against the University of Kansas in Kansas City, MO, the University of Missouri Tigers would have to play at their campus in Columbia. Mizzou’s athletic director, Chester Brewer, was concerned that no one would show up since Columbia was off the beaten path, so he invited alumni and others to “come home” to Rollins Field to attend the game and other festivities. He planned parades, parties, and a pep rally to encourage people to attend. The plan worked. Roughly 10,000 people came to Columbia, and this set the precedent for homecoming events to follow.
In 1910, the University of Illinois set up their first homecoming as an attempt to reverse their losing streak against their long-time rival, the University of Chicago. The idea took hold with area businesses, faculty members, and students, who festooned the entire campus in the school colors. With more than 12,000 in attendance, an extra 5,000 extra seats had to be brought in for the game. The Illini were able to break their losing streak and beat the Maroons 3-0.
At the high school level, the reasons for Homecoming Week are slightly different. While schools encourage alumni to contribute to their schools and attend the celebrations and the big game, most educators and staff would agree that the main purpose of high school Homecoming Week is to create a sense of community amongst the student body. The theme days, parades, and pep rallies may seem frivolous and time-wasting, but these activities help students build relationships and find common interests. And, more importantly, they are a chance for kids to socialize. They give kids a chance to be on a float committee, decorate the gym for the dance, or help decide what the themes will be. Plus, the week provides a variety of activities to try to appeal to all the students. Homecoming Week is always near the beginning of the school year as a way to encourage freshmen and other incoming students to meet new people and to feel a part of the school community.
As I start digging through the closet, looking for a Hawaiian-print shirt for “Beach Day,” I know that a whole lot of book learning may not be happening this week. But I’m hoping the lessons the kids learn will be just as valuable and rewarding… and will help build fond memories to last them a lifetime.
