The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines homecoming as “the return of a group of people usually on a special occasion to a place formerly frequented or regarded as home, especially, an annual celebration for alumni at a high school, college, or university.”
In the Cherry Creek School District, homecoming is a special time, filled with tradition and fun for past and present students, staff, families, and community members.
“There are few other times in the school year that are as special as homecoming,” said Cherry Creek High School Principal Ryan Silva. “The students and staff come together for a week to honor traditions and have fun in the spirit of school unity. It is a time for alumni to return to their alma mater and see old friends. It brings together the entire community to celebrate the school and share a common pride.”
Each of CCSD’s comprehensive high schools holds a weeklong homecoming celebration featuring a wide variety of activities and events. Smoky Hill High School will celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary during homecoming week, Sept. 25-30. SHHS Activities Director Scott Cohen said homecoming in 2023 is much bigger and better than it was five decades ago.
“It is no longer just a pep assembly, a football game, and a dance,” Cohen said. “There’s something for everyone… Dress-up days, a movie night on the baseball field, a club carnival for our community, a tailgate party with food trucks before the football game, and a dance for 1,600-plus students on Saturday night.”
Each high school sends a “Spirit Bus” to the middle and elementary schools in its feeder area. The bus is loaded with student leaders, athletes, spirit squad members, the marching band, and other high schoolers who help younger students get excited about homecoming and all they have to look forward to in high school.
This year, the Eaglecrest High School Spirit Bus is also going to stop at the Peakview Assisted Living Center, to share the fun with the senior citizens who live there.
Many of the high schools also hold homecoming parades, where families and neighbors line the streets to cheer for the clubs, floats, and bands as they march by.
“The original idea of homecoming bringing the school community together still exists and is extremely important to hundreds of students, staff, and families,” Smoky Hill’s Cohen said.
The CCSD community is cordially invited to these homecoming events! Please check each high school’s website for more detailed information.
Eaglecrest High School – Sept. 18-22
• Parade, 4:15 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 20
• Football game, 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 21, Legacy Stadium
Overland High School – Sept. 18-22
• Parade at 4:15 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 20 (Tailgate immediately following on OHS soccer field)
• Football game, 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 21, Stutler Bowl
Grandview High School – Sept. 25-30
• Parade, 4:45 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 27
• Tailgate Party, 5 p.m., Football game, 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 29, Legacy Stadium
Smoky Hill High School – Sept. 25-30
• Parade, 4:15 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 28
• Tailgate Party, 5:30 p.m., Football game, 7 p.m., Stutler Bowl
Cherokee Trail High School – Oct. 2-7
• Tailgate Party, 4 p.m., Football game 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 6, Legacy Stadium
Cherry Creek High School – Oct. 2-7
• Homecoming carnival, 5 p.m., Football game, 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 6, Stutler Bowl
Happy Homecoming!
Posted 9/15/2023.
