Homecoming is a time when classes compete against each other for the spirit jug. To win the spirit jug, there are many competitions that everyone participates in like ultimate frisbee, sidewalk chalk, Jungle Volleyball, and Powder Puff football. Most of these competitions took place on Wednesday during the school day for the first time.  Seniors were the ones to win the spirit jug this year. They celebrated at the pep rally on Friday.  Then on Friday night  students and members of the community went to watch the football game at Central College.

“Originally Homecoming was to welcome people back into the community,” said student council advisor Dak Rasmussen. “But over time, it has become a celebration of the school and a way to create unity amongst the students, members, and staff of the school, so the focus of homecoming now is just to come together as a school and celebrate.”

According to junior Brooke Schulte in the junior class, everyone has their own friend groups. Many students don’t even talk to others because they are focused on their own friend group. But during homecoming there is a chance to talk to everyone and to build new friendships. During the competitions, the students have to work together, and to do that, they get to know each other better.

 “We have a pretty big junior class, so it’s kind of hard to reach everyone. But I feel like we all get along pretty well; we can all kind of talk to each other, said Brooke Schulte. “Also we are very competitive, so especially during homecoming, we like to win. We all just like to be together as a class and compete.”

Senior Lyndi Shulte was crowned queen at the coronation on Monday of homecoming week. Representing Pella High during homecoming included leading cheers at all the pep rallies on Friday. The court and representatives from fall sports traveled to the pep rallies at Lincoln, Madison, Jefferson, and the middle school before coming back to the pep rally at Pella High.

“Homecoming brings our school together because everyone participates in it, and it unites everyone with games and dress up days,” said Lyndi Schulte.

Now that homecoming is over, there are still ways for the student body to come together.  According to  Lyndi Schulte, cheering in the student sections at volleyball and football games brings people together and encourages the teams to do their best.

“It is just super fun because everyone is participating and getting along and cheering together,” said Lyndi Shulte. “Also it just brings everyone closer together.”