Homecoming week is one of the most anticipated events of the year. It turns a regular week of school into an absolute frenzy of spirit events and costume-wearing. Upper schoolers at Saint Stephen’s have waited since last October to take part in this year’s homecoming, and although many are excited for the big week, many (especially new students and freshman) don’t know basic information about some of the most important event.  These activities include field day “relay” competitions, a dance-off, a student-faculty basketball game, and the float performance at the end of the week in front of the entire school.

Homecoming is a time for the whole upper school to gather together to participate in fun events and dress up in costumes related to each day’s theme. Last year’s theme was “Through the Ages,” with daily sub-themes being Prehistoric, Classical, Contemporary and Future ages.

This years theme is “Roadtrip!” with daily “stops” in “Dallas, Texas,” “Los Angeles, California,” “Washington DC.,” and “Honolulu, Hawaii.”  This is an exciting new idea and the student body is reported extremely excited about it.

Each of the days center around a different event based on the daily theme. For example, last year during Tuesday of homecoming week, students did a toga run event for Classical Age. This years take on this event is a “hoe-down” style relay race similar to the toga run from last year.

Events often get very competitive between each grade as they fight for valuable spirit points, which ultimately earns the winning class a fun trip to Busch Gardens at the end of the year, paid for by Student Council.

One of the main highlights of Homecoming week is the Lip Sync and Dance-off.  “My favorite part of homecoming last year was the dance-off, because the sophomores messed up,” said senior Mark Gharby.

While many are a fan of the beloved dance off, others love the relay race.  “I am most excited for the outside activities so we can be athletic and move around,” said freshman Paradise Traub.

As for the big dance itself, The Gauntlet spoke to Sophomore Taylor Vara, who is a class officer involved in planning the homecoming dance. She says that students can look forward to a secret “twist” to arriving to homecoming this year.

The dance will be held on Saturday, October 20th, in the Neptune Room of the Seafood Shack. The time is still yet to be announced. Tickets will be available for purchase from Mr. Holt in the front office. The ticket prices are still to be determined by the Sophomore class officers, but they usually range from around 30-45 dollars.

Boys should wear a button down shirt, tie and pants (jacket optional), and girls should wear a dress (preferably cocktail style dress). More details on the dress code will most likely be released soon along with the location and theme of the dance.