As the new school year kicks off and the freshman class begins to learn the ins and outs of Cathedral, exciting news is arriving for the entire student body: Homecoming week is getting a major upgrade. Running from September 19 to the 26, homecoming week at Cathedral High School is a week-long celebration that brings out school spirit across all grades. 

This year, Cathedral is turning up the energy with harder themed dress days, hallway decorations, and for the first time, a formal homecoming dance. Seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen will be competing head-to-head for spirit points in hopes of winning the coveted Spirit Stick, one of the most sought-after titles on the Hill, given to the class with the most school spirit. Points are earned through hallway decoration, dance attendance, themed dress participation, and “Ignite the Irish” participation.

Senior Bailey Brownlow, a member of Student Council, said, “We try to pick themes that are fun, but purposely make them a little more challenging to add more competition.”

The Friday before homecoming week, the 19th, has the theme of All Out Irish, where students are encouraged to go all in with their green and gold gear to set the tone for the week ahead. The next day will be the Homecoming Dance. In the past, the dance was a causal come and go event where students attended just for the points. Now, students are encouraged to dress up much like they would for Winter Formal, while still having the opportunity to earn spirit points. The Student Council has been working hard and have come up with the theme of Casino Night. 

Throughout the week, students will have the opportunity to dress out of uniform, but only if they follow each day’s theme. This year’s lineup includes Music Genre Monday, Teen Beach Tuesday, Wacky Wednesday, Meme Theme Thursday, and Class Theme Friday. 

Music Genre Monday, kicks things off with outfits inspired by students’ favorite music styles. This could mean dressing as country with flannel shirts and cowboy boots or dressing as rock music with band tees and leather jackets. Teen Beach Tuesday, inspired after Teen Beach Movie, could mean wearing tropical print and sunglasses.

Wacky Wednesday is exactly what it sounds like. It could mean wearing mismatched or inside out clothes. Meme Theme Thursday is a little harder and takes some more thought, but that’s where the creativity and school spirit comes in, especially with spirit points on the line.

Fridays’ theme is yet to be determined, but the week will end with a school-wide assembly in the Welch Activity Center to wrap up the homecoming festivities, but for now students will just have to wait to see what surprises the assembly holds.

Spanish teacher and Student Council Moderator Kim Jamell said, “Everything we plan for homecoming week leads up to the winner of the Spirit Stick. It’s not just about dressing up or decorating a hallway. It’s more about which class shows up, gets involved, and brings the most energy all week.”