Mansfield Homecoming Week is an event to behold

By Adrienne Douke

MANSFIELD— Homecoming Week metformin hcl 1000 mg began Jan. 9 and kicked off with “Pajama Day.” Students and staff wore their pajamas, bathrobes and slippers to school and some of these pajama-wearers looked too good for bed.

The tradition of homecoming began in 1923, when Indiana Wesleyan University celebrated what they called “Harvest Day.” Harvest Day gave the community an opportunity to come together with staff and students to demonstrate a unified action of school support and school spirit.

In Mansfield, Homecoming Week is also a time to honor past Mansfield graduates, and usually goes by 10-year intervals. This year’s honorees were the graduates of years ending in “2” — 2002, 1992, 1982, 1972, 1962, 1952, etc. Darold Wax, president of the Mansfield Museum and Historical Society, was a 1952 graduate, and when asked what homecoming means to him, he said “We may travel far, but it’s nice to have connections in a small town like Mansfield.”

Darold’s wife, Mary Wellen Gallaher, another 1952 graduate, said, “It’s nice to see old friends and relatives again.”

Norma Asmussen Wainscott, also a 1952 graduate, observed, “I come every year to see the games and the people and support the school, but this year it’s especially nice because I’m an honorary guest.”

Jeanette Cavadini was a 1962 graduate and represents a family of continuity as she, her daughter Kim Pease and granddaughter Brittany Pease, all graduated from Mansfield School. Mckenzie Pease will graduate this year.

Also in attendance were Ward Glessner and Linn (Pinkie) Glessner, both 1962 graduates. Clint Wall graduated in 1982. Brad Murison graduated in 1992, and J.F. Lester graduated in 2002.

School spirit is always evident at Mansfield School, but it reaches a fever pitch during Homecoming Week. Everyone gets in on the fun, and there is a lot of excitement and enthusiasm displayed throughout the week. When asked what Homecoming Week meant to Rachel Sherwood, she said, “I don’t know, but it sure is fun!”

Traditionally, homecoming took place during football season, but Mansfield was without a football team for some time so they moved theirs to basketball season.

Each day during the week, a different theme was represented. This year’s theme for homecoming was “Music Decades” from the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s. School decorations reflect the decades and each grade had a wall to decorate.

Tuesday was Twin Day when staff and students chose a “twin” to dress up in identical costumes. Wednesday’s Decade Day had a strong showing of school spirit with many students and staff in costume representing their chosen era. The 12th grade class dressed like the 50s, the 10th graders like the 60s, the ninth graders like the 70s and the seventh and eighth graders dressed like the 80s… and brought back fond memories for those who were around back then!

Wednesday was also the day when students began to decorate the school for the homecoming game and dance. The decorations really helped the whole event take shape, and lent a feeling of anticipation and excitement.

Thursday was Toon Day, with staff and students alike dressed up as their favorite cartoon characters; with two basketball games, one junior varsity against the Okanogan C-Squad and the other a high school game against the Wilson Creek Devils.

Friday was Kernel Day as students and staff sported the school colors of red and yellow. At the end of each day, a costume judging took place to decide which was the best, with points given to the winners and to their grade. At the end of the week, the points were tallied up and the winners were awarded a pizza party.

On Friday evening, a car parade called “The Serpentine” took place. Students and town police drove around town and honked their horns and flashed their lights. A bonfire followed the parade.

Saturday’s activities included a roast turkey sandwich dinner, put on by the Mansfield Chamber of Commerce, a silent auction and two basketball games.

During the high school game, the homecoming royalty were introduced. They were Prince C.J. Wall, Princess Staci McDonald, King Lucas McLean and Queen Amber Santos. Madeleine Perkins, last year’s queen, crowned this year’s king and queen. The crown bearers were David Osborn and Tiera Miller. After the games, a dance was held for the students, and free pizza was served.

This year’s 2012 graduates are: Rody Garcia, Jeff Hammer, Kyle Jenkins, Travis Jorgensen, Lucas McLean, Mikeal McLean, Mackenzie Pease, Madeleine Perkins, and Cameron Peters. Congratulations!

Homecoming Week allowed the community to come together and show support for their school. Homecoming also gave several worthwhile organizations an opportunity to raise funds for different school programs, such as the science project, scholarships (Dollars for Scholars), the Booster Club (which helps with athletic equipment and uniforms), and the Mansfield Chamber of Commerce.

Homecoming generates lots of fun, bonding for students and staff and breaks up the tedium of the long winter month of January. No one year is ever the same and everybody gets to act a little crazy… just like Halloween all over again. Many people look back with fond nostalgia of Homecoming Week as a great school event.