Homecoming takes fairy tale theme

Natalie Weber

Writer/Intern

Once upon a time, in the friendly village of Fallbrook, a high school began its Homecoming festivities... That's right it's Homecoming week at Fallbrook High School and this year's theme is "Once Upon a Homecoming" – a theme inspired by the beloved Disney fairy tales.

To kick off the magical celebration, the school holds a spirit week, during which the student body dresses up each day according to a different Disney theme. From "Sleeping Beauty" pajama day to "Ohana" Hawaiian day, the students show their school spirit and participate in an unofficial "class of the year" dress-up competition.

The culmination of the spirit days is, of course, Friday's "Ruby Red Apple Day" on which the student body shows their spirit with a sea of red in support of the FHS football team.

On Friday, Oct. 20, the Warriors will be taking on the Valley Center Jaguars in the Homecoming football game at the Warriors' home stadium. Students, alumni, and friends of Fallbrook High School are encouraged to show their spirit and attend the event. Alumni who attend are also asked to check in at the Fallbrook High School Alumni Table upon arrival.

The festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. when the Grand Marshals, Heather and Mike Schulte, will be honored by the school; the high school's own JROTC program will present the colors, and the Fallbrook High School Madrigals and Madrigal Alumni will sing the national anthem after a dedication. Varsity kickoff is at 7 p.m.

At halftime, the crowds will be treated to another display of school talent and spirit; the FHS Performance Dance Team, FHS Cheer, FHS Band, and FHS Color Guard will perform. Also at halftime is the parade of the Homecoming floats, a time-honored tradition at Fallbrook High School dating back to 1958.

Each grade has been working fervently for almost a month on floats that pertain to the Homecoming's Disney theme and the floats will be judged on varying criteria following the parade. Another highlight of the Homecoming halftime is the presentation of the Homecoming Court.

The Class of 2018 nominated five seniors for Homecoming Queen: Olivia Engebretson, Skyler Kennedy, Monica Saltz, Danielle Velez, and Jennifer Vizzuett. Each of these Homecoming princesses will be escorted by her father onto the football field.

Nominated for Homecoming King by the senior class were: Julian Arteaga, Jacob Cain, Cristian Cruz, Miles Dewhirst, and Collin Hoff. These Homecoming princes will be escorted by their mothers onto the football field. After the presentation of the court, the Homecoming King and Queen will be announced and honored.

The Homecoming Court will have had its own unique and exciting experiences prior to the crowning at the football game. Two weeks before the Homecoming spirit week, the court participated (and was officially announced) in the annual Homecoming Fashion Show at lunch, an experience Homecoming prince Collin Hoff described as, "a pretty fun experience; something I never imagined myself doing."

The Friday morning of the Homecoming game is a day Homecoming princess Monica Saltz looks forward to as that is the day the court is "'kidnapped' and... taken out to breakfast" and later is put on display at the Homecoming pep rally that day.

The football game is not where homecoming festivities will end, for Saturday, Oct. 21 is the Homecoming Dance. The high school's gym will be decked out in Disney decor as the students in their semi-formal wear dance the night away.

ASB president and Homecoming princess Jennifer Vizzuett said of the planning for the event, "My favorite part... has been hearing new, creative ideas from a variety of people and seeing them come to life." Homecoming prince Jacob Cain said of the dance, "I think this Homecoming will stand out because of all the fun activities we're doing."

After the dance, Fallbrook High's "Once Upon a Homecoming" must, like all fairy tales, meet its "Happily Ever After," but the memories to be made during the event are to last forever. As Hoff noted of his experience, "It is something I will never forget."