The days narrowed down toward one of the biggest school events: Homecoming. West Ranch ASB hosted a Homecoming spirit week the week prior, from Sept. 3 to 6, holding a Homecoming rally on Sept. 5. With overflowing excitement from students, the rally and spirit week made the perfect preparation for the anticipated dance.
The Homecoming spirit week held unique events and themes, encompassing this year’s “Mamma Mia!” theme. With Monday being a Labor Day holiday, students returned to school to Tuesday’s theme, “Donna & the Dynamos,” which created a spirited sea of coordinated outfits with “twin” students. Next, on Wednesday, “White Wedding” had everyone in clean white attire, turning the school into a wedding. Thursday’s “Take a Chance on Blue” encouraged students to wear blue-colored outfits in preparation for the Homecoming football game. Last but not least, the campus was filled with denim for “Denim! Denim! Denim!” as a perfect end to a week of throwback themes.
With its challenges and triumphs, pulling off a short and packed week was no easy feat for ASB. With such a quick and successful build-up for the dance, ASB E-board president Jacob Almaria shared his view on the week: “These spirit weeks truly capture the school spirit. It makes me feel good about this year because it was a good start.”
To finish at the climax of the spirit week, West Ranch hosted their Homecoming rally to top off the overflowing energy. With retro-themed posters and vibrant backgrounds, West Ranch’s gymnasium was decked out with “Mamma Mia!” styled decorations. West Ranch ASB director Mrs. Priske revealed her appreciation for this year’s Homecoming theme. “I think the theme this year was probably what I was most proud of,” Mrs. Priske expressed. As students entered through the gym’s double doors, booming music and flashing lights radiated from the room. With the introduction of pack leaders Max Singer, Emma Montes, Kelly Hansen and Natalie Arrington, the rally was set into motion.
To get the show on the road, West Ranch Senior Elina Ghosh took the stage with the national anthem and did not fail to impress the attending students and staff with her vocal talent. After the national anthem, West Ranch’s Principal Mr. Fisher bursted from the sidelines, holding the famed spirit helmet. With each successive class, the cheers grew louder with Mr. Fisher holding the helmet, but the seniors just could not be beat.
Next up, Freshmen Cheer lit up the center with grooves and acrobatics like never before. With grace and smooth moves, freshmen Cheer excited the crowd for what was to come next. Following freshmen cheer, their more experienced counterparts, JV and Varsity Cheer, displayed an awe-inducing performance with flips and aerial movements. West Ranch Varsity cheerleader Amelia Jakovich elaborated on her experience performing on the floor: “It’s kind of scary, especially when you’re tumbling, but it’s a fun experience.”
After the cheer performances, ASB decided
to spice things up with a new competition: karaoke. Each grade level had a designated teacher prepare and hype the students to sing. The teacher would ask the DJ to start the music and students would finish the lyrics as loud as they could. The freshmen class was assigned to Mr. Lutge, sophomores with Mrs. Zeringue, juniors with Mr. Burrill and seniors with Mrs. Coe. Although off to a slow start, all students gradually got used to the game and, with some practice, were able to feel the spirit. As the final notes of the karaoke battle echoed through the gym, the seniors took the crown with a commanding performance.
Continuing with the performances, West Ranch’s Dance Team took the spotlight with their high-energy routine that blended passion and precision keeping the stands on their feet. Maintaining high energy, the West Ranch Hip Hop Team followed with a rhythmic and powerful choreography that made students feel each movement.
Now, the moment that everyone had been waiting for, the 2024 Homecoming Court was introduced. The freshmen royals Kennedi Woods and Diego Martinez received a wave of cheers, while the sophomore royals Addi Reyes and Blake Johnson showcased their charisma. Junior prince and princess Cayden Willen and Kendall Gustin left a lasting impression of awe on the crowd. The anticipated senior court truly stole the show with couples Colt Varner and Hannah Lee, Jacob Almaria and Natalie Merchant, Peter Everett and Savannah Westlake, Joshua Farahdel and Tashvi Ratnani and last but not least, Max Singer and Aishwarya Sudan. To end the rally, each couple was met with roaring cheers from their peers and beamed with pride as they were recognized as nominees of the school’s long-standing tradition.
Cats, keep an eye out for these exciting events and be sure to attend as there are many more to come!
