Washington Homecoming next week

Next week marks the start of homecoming festivities in Washington.

“It is nice that the kids get to enjoy what a normal homecoming looks like,” Activities Director Brent Van Weelden said, referring to complications in last year’s homecoming plans from the COVID-19 pandemic. “I’d say there’s more excitement in the building, with all the kids being back. Last year we had some kids that were online, and we don’t have that this year.”

Van Weelden said he only expected the anticipation to grow as homecoming weekend approached.

“I think the excitement will really ramp up next week,” he said. “We still have good crowds at our football games so we already have a lot of excitement around the high school right now, even though it’s not homecoming yet.”

Van Weelden said the school had packed the week with festivities to celebrate.

Monday is the first of five “dress up days” at the high school, where students are encouraged to attend in a variety of unusual outfits according to a daily theme.

Tuesday will be the first of many fifth block assemblies during the last 45 minutes of the school day. Tuesday’s assembly will feature teachers playing several games and performing skits.

Wednesday and Thursday’s fifth block assemblies will pit students against one another in friendly competitions. In teams divided by class, Van Weelden said boys would compete in volleyball and girls in ultimate football.

On Thursday, spirit night starts at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium, where all seniors in the school’s band and football, volleyball, cross-country, dance and cheer leading teams will be recognized. Spirit night will also feature the crowing of the homecoming king and queen.

Friday will be an early out at 1:10 p.m., with a homecoming parade starting south of the high school at 2 p.m. Van Weelden said registration in the parade would not be necessary. Those with a float need only to arrive before it starts.

The parade will run to the Square in downtown Washington, where the school will host a 3 p.m. pep rally to hype up students for the 5 p.m. freshman and 7 p.m. varsity football games that night.

On Saturday morning, Washington hosts a home volleyball tournament starting at 8 a.m., giving participants time to get ready before the homecoming dance from 8-10 p.m.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com