Be true to your school
Charity Ping-Pong tournaments, exotic animals and the chance to wear pajamas to class can mean only one thing: homecoming season has arrived.
Naperville Central and Waubonsie Valley high schools will celebrate all next week, while Naperville North and Neuqua Valley are having their festivities Oct. 8-13.
Each school has chosen its own theme and accompanying activities, culminating in the homecoming football game and dance on the Friday and Saturday of their respective weeks.
Naperville Central is going with a "'50s Flashback" theme this year and trying something new with the aforementioned charity Ping-Pong tournament to benefit the Loaves and Fishes Community Pantry.
The tourney, set to begin at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, is the brainchild of several students who presented the idea to Lynne Nolan, dean of student activities.
"I've always wanted us to do something school-wide that's a charity event … sharing all the good," she said.
Meanwhile, Waubonsie will be saying "Welcome to the Jungle" with its events. To set the mood, exotic animals, including a bird, snake and monkey, will be on hand at the Saturday dance.
"The nice thing about homecoming is it gets students into their school spirit. It reminds them they're here for more than being in class, and we like to get them involved in the community and like the community to get involved as well," student council sponsor Heather Friedman said.
The following week, Naperville North will be "Rolling Out the Red Carpet" for a star-studded homecoming celebration. New this year is a kick-off assembly the morning of Oct. 8 in which each class will compete against each other in events that encourage class pride through friendly rivalries.
"(Homecoming) stands on its own because it's such a huge tradition at North and builds unity within classes and pushes class competition during that week," said Jennifer Baumgartner, dean of student activities. "It makes it feel like a small school in a big building."
That week, Neuqua will be in the midst of a "Polynesian Paradise" homecoming that includes activities such as skateboarding and karaoke to get everyone involved. This year's homecoming coronation will even feature fire dancers, volcanoes and fireworks.
"You only go to high school once," said senior Danielle Dybas, one of three students instrumental in planning the event. "When I think of high school, this is what I think of -- the homecoming dance and turnabout. Special stuff that's unique to high school. It's part of the whole experience."
Here's what you need to know:
Naperville Central
Theme: '50s Flashback
Oct. 1: Sleep Over at Frenchie's Day (Pajama Day)
7 a.m. Homecoming court breakfast
Homecoming week kick-off assemblies
Oct. 2: Black-and-White Day
Lunchtime: Karaoke
5:30 p.m.: Ping-Pong tourney to benefit Loaves and Fishes
7:15 p.m.: Outdoor movies ("Shrek" and "Grease") in Central courtyard
Oct. 3: '50s Favorites
Lunchtime: Spirit games
7 p.m.: Homecoming crowning ceremony and bonfire/dance
Oct. 4: Pink Ladies and T-Birds Day
Lunchtime: Car show
3:15 p.m.: Door decoration judging
Oct. 5: Red-and-White Day
Homecoming assembly
7:30 p.m.: Homecoming football vs. West Chicago
Oct. 6: Homecoming dance
5-6:30 p.m.: Pictures
8-11 p.m.: Dance
Tickets: Couples, $30 in advance or $40 at the door; singles, $15 in advance or $20 at the door
Waubonsie Valley
Theme: "Welcome to the Jungle"
Oct. 1: Pajama Day
Oct. 2: Twin Day
Oct. 3: Professional Sports Day
Oct. 4: Dress up Day
1:30 p.m.: Homecoming coronation
Oct. 5: Green-and-Gold Day
1:30 p.m.: Homecoming pep assembly
7:30 p.m. Homecoming football game vs. Bloom Township High School
Oct. 6: Homecoming dance
6:15 p.m.: Pictures
7 p.m.: Dance
Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the door
Naperville North
Theme: "Rollin' Out the Red Carpet"
Oct. 8: "Breakfast Club" Day
Morning: Homecoming kick-off assembly
Lunchtime: DJ and contests
6 p.m.: Interclub volleyball tournament
Oct. 9: "Grease" Day ('50s attire)
Lunchtime: Mission Improvable
7 p.m.: "The Price is Right"
Oct. 10: "Caddy Shack" Day
Lunchtime: Acoustic side show
7 p.m.: Coronation and bonfire
Oct. 11: "Star Wars" Day
Lunchtime: Car show
Oct. 12: Blue-and-Orange Day
1:20 p.m.: Homecoming assembly
7:30 p.m.: Homecoming football game vs. Wheaton North
Oct. 13: Homecoming dance
7-10 p.m.: Dance
Tickets: $20 for individuals, $40 per couple
Neuqua Valley
Theme: "Polynesian Paradise"
Oct. 9: College or Jersey Day
Lunchtime: Karaoke
8 p.m.: Bonfire lakeside
Oct. 10: PJ Day
Lunchtime: Hula-Hoop contest
6 p.m.: Skateboard event at skate park; car show behind Gold campus
8 p.m.: Homecoming assembly and coronation, along with fire dancers, volcanoes and fireworks
Oct. 11: Tropical Day
Lunchtime: Limbo contest
Oct. 12: Blue-and-Gold Day
7:30 p.m.: Homecoming football game vs. Streamwood
Oct. 13: Homecoming dance
7 p.m.: Pictures
8-11 p.m.: Dance
Tickets: $12 per person in advance, $20 at the door