By Olivia Shumaker
Special Writer for The Review
Kings, queens and marching bands. Pep assemblies and cheering in the stands. A parade and dance, powder puff fun and hometown visits as abundant as falling leaves. Oh yeah, there is a football game, too. It’s Homecoming 2011.
Lake Orion High School students kicked their Dragon pride into high gear this week, pulling out all the stops with this year’s theme, Armed Forces. From the big events like the downtown parade and game on Friday to Saturday’s dance, to in-school activities like Lunchgate, the behind-the-scenes Leadership class and various contributors are working to make this year’s Homecoming festivities unforgettable.
The fun kicked off Sunday with Activity Night at the high school football field. Students from the four classes competed against each other in challenges based on the year’s theme, which meant a lot of military-type obstacle courses and physical challenges.
‘It’s really a great kickoff to Homecoming Week,? said senior Lauren Oberheim, secretary for the Leadership class. ‘It’s was very competitive.?
On Monday, the school hosted its annual Homecoming pep assembly and students wore their class t-shirts to show their pride.
‘We found that Fridays were very crowded,? explained Oberheim. ‘With the parade, the assembly, the football game itself, the whole day was really busy and we thought it would be better to spread it out throughout the week.?
Tuesday was Red, White and Blue Day, with Lake Orion students wearing the nation’s colors with pride.
Wednesday is Party in the USA Day, with students wearing mismatched clothes ? the zanier the better.
Thursday is Camo (camouflage) Day, with the GAP Powder Puff game at night. The Powder Puff game is a chance for girls to play football instead of the boys, the rule being that one needs to have attended at least two practices to play.
On Friday, students are breaking out their Dragon gear on Green and White Day. At lunch, students will be heading outside for Lunchgate, where they can eat outside and enjoy the fall weather with a DJ and various games.
The National Honor Society parade begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, starting at Blanche Sims and featuring various school groups, from the cheerleaders to the Homecoming Court. Finally, after all the pre-game hoopla, football fans can head back to the high school for the lauded Homecoming Game at 7 p.m., versus Troy Athens. The Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned during halftime.
The fun wraps up Saturday with the annual Homecoming dance. There, students will have a chance to deck out in colorful dresses, jewelry and other finery. A DJ will blast music and dance with the crowd, with the gym putting its best face forward this year with the armed forces theme.
‘It’s showing pride for our school and for the nation, to draw people together,? said Oberheim.
So, Lake Orion, show your Dragon pride. Homecoming is here.