As the crowds began to file onto the field of Francis Parker on September 21, optimism and excitement were brewing as teams commenced their various competitions. The forecast read 82 degrees and sunny, the perfect climate to indulge in soccer, field hockey, and complementary food and beverages. The environment was electric. Students and parents alike gathered on the side of the field to cheer on the Colonels, supporting each team regardless of if they were playing or not.
Sophomore Naomi Pendo could feel the Parker homecoming good vibes. “t was a perfect day out and it was overall very happy. Fans stayed for the whole day, from JV soccer in the morning to Varsity soccer at the very end of the day. This was honestly remarkable to me because a lot of people need to get prepared for homecoming,” Pendo said. Junior Chloe Deutsch agreed with Pendo. “I thought Parker homecoming was fun, the environment felt very supportive and I think that carried onto the field for both JV and Varsity,” said Deutsch.
The enthusiasm was shared amongst many sports, especially the ones playing during the Saturday morning games. Oberon Goldman felt supported and encouraged during his game. , “I was happy. The sun was shining,” Goldman said. Freshman Olivia Marquez concurs, “Parker homecoming was fun, sunny, and had a really good vibe,” she said.
As the sun set on the perfect Parker Saturday, anticipation built for Parker’s “Miami Nights” themed homecoming dance. The dance was hosted in the Draft Gym, with plastic palm trees and lights splayed around the room. “I had a really fun time at the homecoming dance, I thought the vibes were really good and the decorations contributed well. I also liked that I didn’t have to pay for tickets like I have in previous years, and I hope that this continues for next year,” sophomore Ayla Pressman said.
On the morning of Latin Homecoming, however, students and fans slowly trickled in as the teams started their games, the earliest events being at 8 a.m.. Fog painted the skies a dreary gray, and the clouds sporadically released a cold mist throughout the day. “During Latin homecoming it was dark and rainy, and the mood reflected that, and had very bad vibes. Genuinely all I wanted to do was go home. Fans didn’t stay throughout the day. Literally the only people on the sidelines for the Varsity field hockey game, which is usually a big deal and a lot of people went to Parker homecoming, were Parker sophomores and four Latin sophomores. I also had to pay for food, which I thought wasn’t nice since I had to pay five dollars for a singular taco,” said Pendo.
Deutsch agreed the feeling of the day was dreary. , “I thought Latin homecoming was very mediocre. The weather was kinda bad, and it’s always a little more scary going into it because they’re our “rival school”, but I’m proud of JV field hockey for winning the game and staying hype.”
Goldman also felt the somber ambiance at the Latin homecoming matches. “At the Latin homecoming the day was gloomy. Everyone was melancholy,” Goldman said.
“Latin was sad and cold, everything about it. From the weather to the enthusiasm in the crowds, I was sad and cold,” Marquez said Senior Gaberiel Villus agreed. “It was gray, wet, and muddy.”
The games, however, weren’t the only events of the day. Latin’s homecoming dance was hosted at The City Hall, a venue space in the West Loop of Chicago. When asked about her homecoming dance experience, Latin sophomore Naomi Herman said, “They made us stay at the venue from 8 to 10 p.m.. I thought the dance was fun compared to other years, and there was a lot more school spirit compared to other years.”
