On Aug. 9, 2024, St. Charles East High School kicked off its 2024 homecoming week with an unexpected sophomore victory. During the tug-of-war contest, the freshmen faced off against the juniors, and the sophomores were up against the seniors. After the juniors won very quickly against the freshmen, the entire gym watched during the sophomore vs. senior round which ended in a very close win for the sophomores.
While students were entering the gymnasium, cheerleaders performed impressive sideline cheers to the marching band, and the choir later sang the national anthem led by new choir director Ashley Zima for the first time. The dance team also performed at the beginning as students came in from all over the school and at the very end to help conclude the assembly.
Many clubs and sports teams were recognized throughout the assembly, including boys’ football, girls’ volleyball, ultimate frisbee, boys’ and girls’ cross country, golf, swim and soccer. Junior Domenic Munaretto was acknowledged for winning the United World Wrestling Championships, and ultimate frisbee was acknowledged for winning in the classic pool at state.
In addition to student-led activities, a showdown between teachers took place as a kickoff to the annual pie-in-the-eye competition. Cross-country coach Christopher Bosworth arrived at the assembly via a pink mini car with two students to raise money for Big Hearts of Fox Valley. Cross-country coach Bradley Kaplan, raising money for leukemia research, came sprinting through the gym with East Cross Country students and eventually was hoisted onto their shoulders. Basketball and lacrosse coach Taylor Cyr was accompanied by East dancers and cheerleaders who performed back handsprings through the gym, raising money for pancreatic cancer. These three teachers are competing to raise money for their causes. The staff member who raised the most money went on to be pied in the eye at small games.
Overall, Monday’s assembly was a supportive event. Both students and faculty members were able to be represented and honor the excitement that homecoming brings.
