PRHS pulls off another successful homecoming

     Homecoming 2017, themed “There’s no place like Paso,” drew in hundreds to War Memorial Stadium to watch the PRHS football team take on Righetti on Oct. 27. Bearcats proved their dedication back to the school, widely participating in each spirit day, cheering on fellow Bearcats at the homecoming pep rally, stacking the stands at the game, and packing into the gym for the homecoming dance.

    During halftime, seniors Kaitlin Pressley and Ryland Patti were crowned homecoming king and queen alongside junior prince, Jimmy Claussen, junior princess Kirra Vargas, sophomore princess Neveah Hinton, sophomore prince Garrison Thomas, freshman princess Mikaela Farrer, and freshman prince Ethan Wright.

    Following the victory against Righetti 23-14, over 650 students attended the dance, which had its own theme of “There’s no place like homecoming.” Leaders in the organization of homecoming were junior Marshall Wiesner, ASB Vice President, and senior Brooke Metcalf, ASB President and their leadership organization.

    Last year’s homecoming similarly involved the community, as schools across the district participated in raising money for the Make a Wish program. This year, Leadership and ABS aimed to top those efforts. They spent six to seven hours a week planning the event by not only using their entire class periods, but walking around businesses, contacting other organizations, and selling shirts in front of Albertson’s.  

      “We are always looking to improve and grow as a program.  Last year’s homecoming was very well done and I think this year has the potential to be even bigger,” said Leadership and AP Chemistry teacher Anthony Overton, who has overseen the past two homecomings.

    Dance and Leadership teacher Jennifer Bedrosian also oversaw homecoming, her eighth year leading such October efforts. A large amount of Leadership’s  time since the beginning of the year has been dedicated to planning homecoming, according to Overton. At the beginning of the year, students in the class were divided into ten groups  of six and were in charge of one specific tasks/event in regards to homecoming-all contributing as a team.

    “With a theme like this year’s, we are emphasizing the uniqueness among each Bearcat; it has been a week filled with a lot of spirit as we celebrate our community and school pride,” Wiesner said.

    Weisner and his co-leader Metcalf were portraits of the verve through campus and also MC-ed in the Homecoming Assembly on Oct. 27, 2017. Wiesner and Metcalf guided the leadership class committees by discussing goals, logistics, and timelines as they pursued how to maximize homecoming events.

    Following tradition, the school held a Spirit Week prior to homecoming. The spirit days were Western Wear Monday, Twister Tuesday, Lions, Tigers and Bearcats Oh My! Wednesday, Which Witch is Which Thursday, and homecoming tee-shirt Friday. Homecoming shirts displayed the message “I am,” and could then have the qualities of the wearer checked off.

    The week was filled of wacky outfits, bearcat apparel, and evident school spirit  at the football game, and at the homecoming dance.

    “There are so many ways to get involved and so many different ways to be successful.  You just have to get out there, take a risk, and not be afraid of getting out of your comfort zone,” said Overton. “There really is No Place Like Paso!”