It is no secret that Homecoming is one of the most important events around Granite Hills High School. But does anyone ever wonder what goes on to make sure these events happen and the hard work that gets put into them? Well, it is all up to our Granite Hills ASB class and, of course, our admin team. Consisting of about 40 ASB members, our ASB team is the fullest it has been in a while.
Our ASB started working on this year’s homecoming as early as three weeks prior. From multiple theme changes because of other school conflicts or themes that were too similar to past years, ASB came up with one idea that they thought was the best with a vote. This year’s theme was ‘Rhythms of the Night’. Each day consisted of different dress-up days correlated to different genres of music such as Country/Latin, Hip-Hop, Rock, and Jamaican with, of course, our spirit rally at the Grizzly Grammy’s.
Clubs and sports around campus agreed on who they wanted to nominate for the candidates this year. From then students voted on their nominees to narrow the choices to the top 12. The top 12 consisted of Abril Soltero, Lulu Guzman, Genesis Garcia, Alina Soto, Angie Torres, Julissa Lopez, Tyson Vinson, Diego Garay, Carlos Zavala, Salvador German, Michael Leon, and Abraham Navarrete. These nominees faced off together and against each other in different games that took place during lunch.
The lunch activities that took place were all set up by our ASB members as well. All members were split up into multiple different groups focused on each day. Our nominees got both dirty in their dress-up clothes and wet on Jamaican day. Each activity was thought of carefully and meticulously. Members had to fill out a form detailing what their game was and how it worked. They even needed to provide a script. This also meant that they needed to provide props and buy materials.
Members of ASB stayed after school and on weekends to help keep things going. On September 21 and 29, students stayed from either 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or noon-5 p.m, all focusing on getting posters and other things done for the Homecoming rally and game.
During the week of Homecoming, ASB was all hands on deck. Everything had to have been ready, such as practicing for our rally and the introduction to our football game. Not only did ASB stay after school into the nighttime, but our Homecoming nominees did as well. For instance, on Thursday, October 3, everyone stayed until midnight, getting our rally ready to perfection. The nominees would also stay every day after school to practice their dance performances with each other. This created a bond between all nominees. There were a couple of conflicts between these 12, but they got through them together. On the big day, everyone also showed up bright and early at 6 a.m. to go over the script and get our last few practices in.
But as time ticked closer to showtime, nerves were filled. Soon, all those nerves turned into joy and contentment. After the gym had cleared out to start cleaning up, everyone involved in making this rally happen came together to recuperate. Although they didn’t get to do everything they wanted to during planning, they were still happy with the result. Even coming from a few staff on campus, this rally was one of the best Granite Hills has seen in a while. From the students on the microphone and court to the environment, this rally also had the most crowd engagement than in recent memory.
Later that evening, our Granite Hills Grizzlies took on the Farmersville Aztecs. The Grizzlied dominated with a 44-16 win, leaving the returning alumni and student body pleased with the outcome. Although there was no Homecoming dance this year, our Homecoming King and Queen – Salvador German and Angie Torres – were crowned during halftime after our Granite Hills Band performed two parts from their field show, ‘The Traveler’. The band was led that night by band director Mr. Milligan and drumline major Grace Gonzalez. Throughout the game, our Grizzlies were cheered on by the G-Unit, our on-campus spirit club.
Thank you to our administration team, ASB class, and Ms. Lozano for helping make Homecoming happen this year. Without you all, the success of this year’s Homecoming would not be possible. If you have not yet had a chance to come to a Grizzly football game this year, please make sure to do so and sit in The Den. Football games are only $5 for students, so make sure to invite your friends and enjoy those Friday night lights.
Upcoming home Grizzly Football games are October 18 and October 25. Please be pinked out on Oct. 18 if you do decide to go. Oct. 25 is senior night so make sure to pop out and show your spirit.
Congratulations to our 2024 Homecoming crowns, and of course, let’s go Grizzlies!
