During homecoming week, a unique spirit of Tiger Pride fills the halls at Herrin High School. The entire week is filled with exciting events, which include themed dress-up days, the pep rally, the parade, and the football game. All of these culminate and lead up to the most anticipated event of the week, which is the homecoming dance. Homecoming week fosters a sense of unity and belonging, highlighting the traditions that define our school and showcasing the passion of our school when we come together.
This past week was chaotic and busy for those in Herrin as the Homecoming festivities took place. For 2025, the Homecoming Theme was Greece, which aimed to feature elegant Mediterranean style and a relaxing vibe. Starting on Monday, September 22, the build-up of excitement was largely noticeable. Walking into school was a surreal experience, as each class stood out with its vibrant colors for Greek Gods/Class Colors Day. Freshmen wore purple, representing Hades; sophomores wore pink for Aphrodite; juniors wore blue for Poseidon; and seniors wore yellow for Zeus. Some students took it to the next level by dressing in elaborate Greek god costumes, making the day even more memorable. To add on to the memories made, Joseph Oldani (9) won best dressed with his festive purple wig and sweater.
The challenge to fit the theme grew more difficult on Tuesday, as the theme was Fraternity vs. Sorority (Greek Life) Day. This was a newer spirit day, but students were creative in their interpretations of the outfits. Some students created their own fraternities or sororities, and even many teachers joined in by forming their own groups. The atmosphere truly felt like stepping into a fraternity or sorority house, with many people going all out and dressing as stereotypical frat members or sorority sisters. One of the best-dressed was Dominick Khoshaba (11) in a pink sorority dress.
The school hallways on Wednesday stood out as HHS transformed into a disco-infused time machine for 70’s/Mamma Mia Day. The air itself seemed to shimmer with nostalgia, a scene pulled straight from Mamma Mia. Students moved in a kaleidoscope of 70s fashion: the casual, sturdy workwear of denim overalls and the flamboyant excess of bell-bottoms paired with brightly patterned shirts. The sound of their wide-cuffed jeans swishing on the linoleum floors was a constant, low murmur, as if the whole building was swaying to a silent beat. The most dedicated had perfected the look down to the last detail, from their oversized collars to their shoes, walking a confident, groovy strut that declared their commitment to the funk.
The atmosphere on Thursday brought a clash of two different eras for Greece vs Grease Day. There were two different aromas, from the smell of hair gel and motor oil from the Greasers to the smell of grapes and fine wine from the Greeks. Even if it was the simplest things, like slicking your hair back, many knew what they were doing when it came to what they picked to wear and participated in the day. Some students even decided to go all out on their costumes, which ranged from togas to leather jackets. But the overall winner of the day was Gracie Craft (12), who wore a toga and featured elements of the Greek god Zeus.
Thursday also included the Homecoming Coronation, which took place in Memorial Gym at 7:00 PM. Young ladies from each grade wore elegant dresses and were recognized as either an honored guest or a member of the high court. Each of the young ladies was escorted by a young man who participated in a fall sport. Ava Jo Goetting (12) was crowned Homecoming Queen, and Sidnee Marie Nelson was crowned Maid of Honor.
Ultimately, the most action-packed day of the week is Friday. As the homecoming week begins to close, this day emphasizes Tiger Pride and allows students to dress up in orange, black, camo, or Herrin Tiger gear.
Throughout the day, students followed an 11:30 schedule so that there would be time in the afternoon for the much-anticipated Homecoming Pep Rally. The pep rally kicked off with performances by the spirit teams and special guests from the audience.
Then, the much-anticipated Mr. Homecoming competition kicked off. The competition is for any boy involved in a fall sport. The contestants participate in a talent show to showcase their skills and compete for the title of king. After the performances wrap up, students cheer for their favorite contestants, with the loudest cheer declaring the winner. Ultimately, Jacobie Stubbs and Hudson Francis won the title of Mr Homecoming(s) by singing “Stitches” by Shawn Mendes. Concluding the pep rally with Tiger Loyalty emphasized the theme of Tiger Pride and unity, as many students were seen laughing and bonding together.
Around 3 pm, the homecoming parade kicked off. Many families line Park Avenue throughout downtown Herrin to watch the parade. The parade featured an array of floats, some from local restaurants and businesses throughout town. A majority, though, are related to school sports, activities, or coronation. As with tradition, each class designs a float to show off during the parade. The Class of 2026 won Best Application of the Year. The Class of 2027 won the Most Neatly Constructed Float. The Class of 2028 won Most Outstanding Engineering Design. The Class of 2029 won Best School Spirit. This year, the overall winner of the float competition was the Senior Class of 2026 with their beautifully executed mural, Greek buildings, and ancient ruins.
The last event that garners the enthusiasm of the whole town is the homecoming football game. At 7:00 PM, the football boys played Murphysboro at home. At halftime, the class floats and high court members rode around the track to show off the best of HHS. Our team put up a fight, and even with the rough game, the student section remained energized and cheered the boys on throughout the evening. Enthusiastic fans were up and out of their seats to encourage team spirit and show support. While the Tigers lost 8-40, the Tiger Pride of the evening did not disappoint.
The highly anticipated event that concludes the week is the homecoming dance. This year’s dance took place on September 27 from 8 PM to 11 PM, and the theme was Mamma Mia: Here We Hoco Again. Students had the chance to purchase tickets in advance for $15, but for those who waited, the price was raised to $20. HHS Student Government beautifully organized the dance, picked out the decorations, and woke up the morning of the dance to transform the commons to fit the theme. DJ Justin Recuero kept the energy high, making the students go wild on the dance floor. There were plenty of food and drink options available for students to enjoy if they needed a break from dancing.
Overall, homecoming week was a great success, concluding a week filled with enjoyable festivities and fun for the entire community. Students are already looking forward to the events of next year’s action-packed homecoming.
