Homecoming: Behind The Scenes

Remington Kroeger

With homecoming approaching quickly, all eyes are drawn to the football team; their practices, morale, even their game plan. But football is not the only activity at Palmyra High School putting in extra hours for Homecoming week. Between the practicing cheerleaders, training pom dancers, decorating clubs and chattering classes, the entire high school is buzzing with activity. 

One club behind a majority of what gets down during homecoming is Student Council. They decide the theme, decorate the school, and provide the Homecoming dance--along with food--after the game. Student Council is also involved in communication between the school and Palmyra businesses, collaborating with a few per year to attain unbiased opinions on the winner of the class float contest. Behind almost every aspect of the week the effort of our Student Council can be found, supporting in the shadows.

There are two consistently iconic hallways of the high school, the science and the FCCLA hallway. The science hallway is a collaborative effort between Mrs. Brumbaugh, Ms. Freels, and Mrs. Brass. With the combined work of the three teachers and their homerooms, the hallway is always decked out. This year, the hallway is meant to replicate what one might see on a stroll through the Wild West, with a touch of neon to add color. With landmarks such as the apothecary (Freels’ room), the jail (home of the Highland Cougars), and an outhouse (Nurse Jones’ room), there is clearly a huge amount of effort from all in the hallway to bring it together. The FCCLA hallway is solely manned by Ms. Knoche, which makes it ever more impressive. With help from students, walking past her room is always a delight, with effort and heart shining from each decoration. This year, the hallway is adorned with support for the senior football boys, with cowboy hat accessories and a lasso or two to bring it all together.

One team putting in a lot of effort throughout the year, but especially within Homecoming week, is the Palmyra High School Cheerleading Team. By working on pregame dances and stunts, painting a new banner for every home game, and prepping for the parade, the twelve person cheer squad is constantly supporting the football team from the sidelines. Junior Janie Triplett is thrilled for Homecoming week, saying, “I’m really excited for the pep rally to show off our school spirit!”

Along with cheerleading is the  Panther Pride Pom Squad, a long-standing spirit team at Palmyra High School. From co-performing pregame dances with the cheer squad to showing off their self-choreographed halftime routines, the school dance team is a staple of entertainment at many school events. Devyn Spratt, Senior Captain and 3 year member, says “The team has been working so hard for our performances, over the summer we joined a dance studio to help improve our technique. We practice every day of the school week and put in so much effort. I can’t wait for this Friday!” The Panther Pride Poms Squad will also perform in the Homecoming parade, dancing with the band down Main Street. All fall sports have a place in the lineup, including Palmyra Football, Cheerleading, and Softball floats. Clubs, such as Key Club and FCCLA, also use the parade as a chance to advertise their clubs to the city, and upcoming students at the middle school. 

Class and club floats, a timeless tradition of Palmyra, will also be on display, with class officers vying to be named ‘Best Float of 2024’. Each grade meets weeks before the event to plan their float according to the year’s theme. Then, a couple businesses on Main Street are selected by Student Council to vote on the winner, who are awarded spirit points. The parade is a chance to raise spirit, support clubs, and show off class creativity in the town. 

For some, Homecoming is a simple football game. But by understanding the effort and pride the entirety of PHS supplies, we can develop a deeper appreciation for the event.