I was the kid always itching to get back to school. There’s always one, right? From sports to clubs, the activity of the school year was always exciting for me. I liked to stay active throughout the year, playing volleyball in the fall, balancing it with student government and class board.
I enjoyed serving on student government for many reasons, one of which was coordinating the Homecoming dance and the week’s festivities. I loved helping to pick our themes, decorate, and dress up for the themed spirit days. In Tawas, where I went to high school, at the end of our spirit week, the marching band played down the halls at the end of the day and all the students would flood to the gym for the spirit jug ceremony. At the ceremony, after a speech from the football coach, classes would compete for the loudest cheer. The winning class received a painted jug they would carry at the homecoming parade.
At my school, homecoming was a bigger deal than prom. Each grade had a homecoming court. At the end of the week, they would take pictures around the school before participating in the parade trailing through our little downtown. The excitement of it was very special to me and I was thrilled to be elected to participate on our class’s court.
After the parade downtown, we would head to the Friday night homecoming football game, typically against our school’s rival, Oscoda High School, and a dance that Saturday. Every year, the girls would get dressed at my parent’s house and we would take pictures outside in front of the same pond and maple tree. As we took pictures, our dates and their families would arrive. After pictures, we’d make the drive to Saginaw to Olive Garden, which our friends considered the peak of luxury at the time!
My time in school allowed me to find myself and my interests. I love to celebrate the little (and big) moments that come from special events, holidays, and life. My experiences in school are probably why I still enjoy themed parties, decorating for holidays, and dressing up when I can!
