By Maeve Rice
Every year since 1951, McNick has held a Homecoming dance that includes the collaboration of many weeks of dance preparation.
Science teacher and Homecoming moderator Mr. Jonathan Spurlock said prep “starts really from day one, that day we get back into school.” The planning is separated into three committees: t-shirts, court, and the dance. This year, junior Quinn McHugh won the t-shirt design contest for the theme “A Night in Athens.”
The women of the court included Charlotte Aber, Tessa Calcitrai, Carolyn Conour, Caroline Eiser, Kennedy Haucke, Annie Mulvaney, Brigie O’Malley, Josie Suttles, Joie Wiles and Avery Yards. The men of the court included: Logan Bellman, Troy Brickner, Zack Burkhardt, Josh Charron, Joey Cors, Connor Longbottom, Connor Powderly, Brody Reinhart, Grant Waters, and Sam Whitcomb.
King Josh Charron and Queen Caroline Eiser were crowned at halftime of the football game on Friday, Oct. 9, the night before the dance, against Alter High School, where McNick won 20-7. Eiser said, “It means so much to know that I am supported by this amazing group of people.” Seniors vote and select the court. Spurlock said, “Other teachers and I do a lot of work behind the scenes, but it’s their [the students] work. It’s their ideas. They’re the ones putting things together. So, when it comes to voting, we leave it in their hands.”
Senior Tessa Calcitrai said, “I love the Homecoming pep rally — seeing the court being announced, watching the men’s dance team routine, and especially playing in the powderpuff football game.”
Student Culture Coordinator Mr. Todd Naumann oversaw spirit events alongside the junior class president Kelsey Naumann and the student lead executive team. These events included spirit dress days, karaoke and musical chairs during lunches, and the powder puff football game Themes came from suggestions from the executive team and approved by Director of Student Life, Mr. Bill Losekamp. Todd Naumann said, “My hope is for the kids to have fun and enjoy the week.”
Calcitrai added, “I feel really honored and grateful to be on court! It’s such a fun senior year memory, and I’m thankful to experience it with so many amazing people.”
