On Sept. 16, Homecoming week, the most anticipated week at South, finally arrived. Students came to South ready for an en-
joyable six days, from volleyball games and pep rallies to spirit days.
Homecoming has been a tradition at South for more than 30 years. Each year brings the same wave of excitement. Although Homecoming came early this year, compared to previous years when it was in October, students continued this time-honored experience.
This year’s Homecoming week kicked off with PJ Day on Monday, Jersey Day on Tuesday, Anything but a Backpack on Wednesday, Hawaiian Day on Thursday, Class Color Day on Friday with the annual pep rally, and finally, the long-awaited Homecoming dance on Saturday.
Each day of spirit week brought creativity and school spirit. With items like kayaks and wagons on Anything but a Backpack Day and sunglasses and leis on Hawaiian Day, each grade made sure to go all out.
“My friends and I try to match with clothes during certain days which is a lot of fun. It’s so cool to see how those who go all out for the spirit days because they are so creative with whatever the day is,” said Nitya Pandit (‘28).
This year, a new activity was introduced to make the week more engaging. To create more spirit for Homecoming, gym teachers incorporated competitive volleyball games against each grade.
The scores from these games contributed to the overall tally for which grade ‘won’ homecoming competitions. This tally is formed through pep rallies during gym class and a final pep rally at the end of the week when the whole school comes together, cheering on their respective grade.
Yash Mittal (‘26) said, “I really liked the volleyball games. It brought everyone together.” Beyond this new change, Homecoming week in general has always been something that gets students excited about school.
One of the highlights of Homecoming week is the final day, Friday. As everyone walks into school on Friday morning, they are greeted by decorations that students have been working on throughout the week.
Mrs. Michelle Walsh, counselor and senior advisor, said, “ Sometimes, students don’t even have an idea what the theme is or any- thing. They just know they want to be part of decorations, because they know what Friday morning looks like.”
With each grade competing in a variety of games and activities such as the relay race, two- legged race, and tug of war, Friday’s pep rally is one of the most anticipated events of the week.
Aarohi Honap (‘25) said, “I always lose my voice–I just feel like it’s so fun to cheer on your classmates at the pep rally.”
Later that Friday evening, the South community attended the Homecoming football game where they cheered on the Unit-
ed football team as they played against the Trenton Tornadoes.
The Pirate Crew, a beloved halftime tradition, features 12 nominated students from the
senior class, three of whom are ultimately selected to be part of the esteemed Pirate Crew by the whole school.
“I think halftime is one of my favorite parts of the game because it shows how much spirit we have
and it is also really great to see the seniors get recognized,” said Mittal.
For seniors, this Homecoming was especially memorable-it marked the last time they would experience this tradition
at South. Upperclassmen offered advice to underclassmen, encouraging them to take part in every experience.
Idris Nalwala (‘26) said, “While I can understand that there will be more important things in your lives, a couple minutes here or there contributed to some memories with your closest friends simply won’t hurt.”
“We’re only gonna be seniors for one year and we won’t get anything like this in college, especially with such a close knit group of people. I feel like it’s just a nice tradition to have before leaving,” said Honap.
With another Homecoming in the books, this highly anticipated, fun-filled week continues to bring out the best of South spirit
and pride.
