Last week, the week of Oct 9, 2023, we held our annual Homecoming festivities.

Starting the week off we had a week full of dress up days (BBQ dad/soccer mom, dress like a holiday, dress like Mr. Smith, and class shirt day for Jag Day.)

Wednesday, Oct 11, 2023 we held the Homecoming parade, chili supper, pep rally followed by an impressive bonfire!

On Friday was the Homecoming game in which we, unfortunately, fell short with a final score of 41-6.

On Saturday, October 14, 2023 the Homecoming dance was supposed to be held at the Main Street Pavilion in Palestine, but due to a generous donation from Harold and Judy Beckes towards the rental of the Fife Opera House we were able to hold it in this beautiful facility. Joe Myers was our DJ for the night playing great music and the awesome lights! King and Queen for this year’s homecoming was Aidyn Piper and Zoey Beabout. Make sure you congratulate these two when you see them out and about.

Approximately 100 students were in attendance for the dance. Also we want to thank the following chaperones: Mr. Caleb Will, Mrs. Susan Hyde, Mrs. Holly Inboden, and Mr. Stuart Smith.

Homecoming became an important part of high school football starting with college teams back in the early 1900’s. Homecoming was originally played to bring everyone back home and to boost school spirit. The University of Illinois was on a losing streak for a number of years against their rival, the Chicago Maroons. They believed that if they could bring everyone back and rally behind the team, they would be able to pull off a win. They indeed did win and beat the Maroons 3-0 in front of over 12,000 attendees. The traditions of Homecoming were quickly adopted by high schools around the country.