The roar of the crowd echoes as white lights shine down on the field, illuminating the purple-clad athletes below. The student body stands on the bleachers, cheering for their home team.

This week marks the start of Homecoming season at Middle Park High School, consisting of spirited daily events and longstanding tradition. Capped by the Homecoming dance at Mary Jane mountain base at Winter Park Resort on September 27, it’s packed with excitement for students.

Throughout the week, students participate in time honored traditions. This includes the Powderpuff and Ironman games, Powderpuff took place on Monday, Sept. 22. Powderpuff — a football game between senior/sophomore and junior/freshman girls — concluded with a senior win at 24-0. The boys competed in Ironman on Thursday, in a highly competitive game of volleyball between each graduating class. 

A later highlight brings many faces to the Middle Park stands: The Homecoming game at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, September 26 will showcase the boys varsity soccer facing off against Jefferson High School. Known for the highly anticipated competition and large crowd, the game is usually attended by students, along with returning alumni, parents, and other community members, bringing many familiar faces to the Middle Park stands.

This game offers a new tradition for Middle Park to embrace. Unlike most schools, who celebrate the football team under the lights, Middle Park is changing the game, now that varsity football has disbanded for the year. Will they be able to prove their skills on their home turf, and shine in the spotlight?

“Soccer has never been that big at the school before,” said senior captain Edgar Renteria Rios, team captain, “And this year is going to be so much bigger. This is the last Homecoming game for the seniors, so I’m super happy that we get to compete together and play as teammates.”

Students will also be crowned for royalty on Friday night. Each year, the school votes to create the Homecoming Court, with seniors ultimately crowned King and Queen.

“I don’t know who nominated me, but I feel pretty good,” said freshman nominee Chase Fosha. “I hope the upperclassmen come in clutch and vote for me.”

Nominees are chosen for embodying the qualities of a Middle Park graduate, including kindness, compassion and school spirit.

There will also be a softball game at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 27 against Abraham Lincoln High School. 

The events come to a finale at the Saturday dance, which has happened every year for as long as school staff can remember. Homecoming is an event recalled from alumni’s memories as a time where school spirit brought the student body together.

Students are always finding ways to make the week their own. Many have yearly plans with friends, such as getting ready together and going out to group dinners. “Homecoming Proposals” have become a new tradition in schools, and Middle Park is no exception. Signs that read “I Couldn’t BEAR Hoco Without You” and “Will You Rock My World at Homecoming?” are seen after school and during games.

“Dressing up, getting ready — we’re making bouquets with everybody so we can all match,” junior Briell Eaton-Ahrens said.

“It’s different with each friend group,” said senior Josh Menke. “Each person has a different way they do things, so I feel like it’s special in its own way. It’s a good time.”

Traditions continue to change at Middle Park, but Homecoming remains a key part of the high school experience. This singular, unforgettable week gives both students and community members something to look forward to, celebrating both the past and bright, shining future.