Despite the early hour on Saturday morning, downtown St. Charles fluttered with energy as students gathered for window painting to kick off homecoming week. Freshmen felt excitement for their first experience, while seniors faced the bittersweet sadness of their final year.

Window painting, a special St. Charles East High School tradition, is a primary focus for the day’s festivities. Senior Kyna Patel, a member of the South Asian Student Association (SASA), said this was her fourth year participating. She described the experience as exciting, vibrant and fun. She encourages students from all grades to get involved. 

The window painting featured various clubs, including the Key Club and Drama Club, as well as sports teams such as basketball and cross country. Each Student Council class also created windows and display cases themed around their respective decades.

Members of the Student Council worked diligently on their display cases. Freshmen used their class 1970s theme, incorporating purple and orange streamers, a disco ball and a dancing cutout. The sophomores designed a Pac-Man-themed case, which featured a large Pac-Man that represents the sophomore class and the classic Pac-Man ghosts, which symbolize the other classes. Juniors showcased popular album covers from their decade, the 1990s, enhanced by blue wallpaper representing their class color and a functioning boombox. Seniors celebrated the 2000s with a Dance-Dance Revolution theme, featuring a dance floor and the school mascot, King Charles.

Creativity was also showcased on the class walls. The freshman wall featured peace signs, disco balls, roller skates and boomboxes in bright colors. The sophomores displayed a Rubik’s Cube in vibrant 1980s shades with a label marking it as the Class of 2028. Juniors went for a graffiti style on brick backgrounds to reflect 1990s trends, while seniors showcased East-inspired magazine covers highlighting teachers, students and group photos.

Overall, the events definitely emphasized school spirit, creativity and the student community. Freshman received fourth place for their wall and display case, and first place for their window painting. Sophomores received third place for their window painting, second for wall display and first for display case. Juniors placed second in window painting and wall display, and first for their display case. Seniors received fourth in window painting and third for wall and display. Everyone who participated did a good job!