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The Shield Online
The Student News Site of McCallum High School

The Shield Online
The Student News Site of McCallum High School

The Shield Online
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From spirit days to dance nights, homecoming brings high spirits

Knights culminate a festive spirit week with pep rally, crowned royalty and a disco-themed dance
Shila Gill, August Gleason, Hudson Hensley, Chloe Lewcock, V Overstreet, Arwen Pelletier, Maya Tackett, Priya Thoppil, Nate Williams, Zev Zent, and Callen Romell
October 29, 2024
Julia Copas
HIGH KICKS, HIGH SPIRITS: On Friday, Oct. 18, McCallum culminated a festive spirit week with the homecoming pep rally. During the pep rally, the class winner of the hallway decorating contest was announced as well as the usual spirit stick award. Sophomore and Blue Brigade member, Peyton Robenhorst noted how festive the student section was. “It felt good to perform for the homecoming game,” Robenhorst said. “I knew a lot of people were going to [cheer for us].”

Oct. 14-18 marked homecoming week at McCallum, featuring numerous activities that students have come to expect: hallway decoration, spirit days and the pep rally featured heavily among the traditional festivities. Of course, the week wouldn’t be complete without the homecoming dance, which made its triumphant return last year following its brief cancellation during the pandemic. 

This year’s homecoming spirit days featured a wide variety of themes: “Western vs. West Coast” on Tuesday, “USA Day” on Wednesday, the return of “Color Wars” between the classes on Thursday, capped off by Friday’s “Disco” motif continued the school tradition in ways old and new. 

Oct. 18’s pep rally concluded the week with a bang, including the expected band performance along with several competitions, foremost of all being the spirit competition between the grades. Assistant Principal Dr. Parrott, with Principal Andy Baxa standying beside him, declared the sophomores the most spirited competitors at the rally, but all wasn’t lost for the seniors. Coach Brodbeck announced at the pep rally that the class of ‘25 would take home the trophy in the hallway decorating contest. 

During halftime at the game later that night, the freshman, sophomore and junior homecoming royalty would all walk the field, along with the final nominees for king and queen. Seniors Trinity Ritcherson and King Henry would ultimately be crowned the winners. The Blue Brigade performed at halftime of the game, while the band played before the game even started. 

The final and arguably most anticipated of all homecoming events, however, that of course being the dance, wouldn’t arrive until this past Saturday. Hosted in the Red Oak Ballroom under the theme “Saturday Knight Lights,” several hundred Knights would gather for a night of celebration and high spirits.

Until next year, we are proud to present this year’s homecoming as this week’s Tuesday Top 10.

homecoming court
Julia Copas
A QUEEN COMING HOME: Senior Trinity Ritcherson is shocked at her homecoming queen win. After walking down the football field waiting for the results to be announced for the homecoming court, Ritcherson made her peace expecting a loss. She, however, just moments later was crowned queen, a moment she would remember about senior year forever. “I didn’t think anyone would have voted for me,” Ritcherson said. “[But] it was pretty exciting and when they called my name I even started jumping up and down.” Ritcherson noted the win was something that made her senior year more sentimental. “What really surprised me was how many people congratulated me afterwards,” Ritcherson said. “It made a lot of good memories that I’ll be able to look back on.” According to Ritcherson, senior year was the chance to get involved with the various events around school, and running for homecoming court was one of those unique opportunities. “[The homecoming king and queen] are really involved with either the school or student life,” Ritcherson said. “My favorite part [of running] was making fun posters with my friends and taking the chance running for queen.” Caption by Chloe Lewcock.
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