October 18th, 2021 began East High School’s spirit week as students patiently awaited the pep rally, football game, and dance. After the pandemic led to the cancellation of 2020’s Homecoming festivities, many East Vikings were thrilled to show their school spirit and revisit the annual events. Much of the week’s success can be attributed to East’s wonderful student council, and we thank them for all of their hard work as we look back on 2021 Spirit Week and Homecoming!

As in years past, students dressed according to a predetermined theme each school day leading up to the Homecoming game and dance. The first theme was Middle School Monday. Students arrived appearing as though they belonged at Fugett. Many sported leggings, Uggs, and tee shirts.

On Tuesday, students were exceptionally well-dressed. In order to fit the theme of Strictly Business, blazers and ties became the standard. With their attire, East students looked like they were prepared to ace any interview and to dominate the professional world.

The next day, East High School traveled back to the 1800s. Wild West Wednesday brought with it several cowboy hats and bandanas. There were even a few horses and cows in the building!

The school looked especially festive on Thursday, as a result of the holiday theme. Wearing orange and black for Halloween and donning a Santa hat for Christmas were two popular interpretations of the theme. However, there were also many unique holidays chosen, such as Mother’s Day, Labor Day, and Groundhog Day.

Seniors showed up to school at 6:45 AM on Friday, October 22nd for the tailgate, wearing their red class t-shirts and decorated jeans. While gathering to celebrate their final Homecoming week, the Vikings ate breakfast and took photos in the senior parking lot. Underclassmen also wore white shirts to show their school spirit.

After an altered schedule with shortened class periods, students and staff gathered outside at the stadium before the pep rally began at 12:10 PM. Some of East’s clubs and class officers set up tables to sell food and drinks, and a Dia Doce truck sold cupcakes.

Towards the beginning of the event, sophomore Elizabeth Matthews sang the National Anthem. Many students cheered on their classmates from the bleachers as the seniors won the powder puff game and the sophomores won tug-of-war. Students also participated in the three-legged race and the relay race. East’s Dance Team gave an incredible performance, and then led the senior football players in some impressive choreography. A group of East’s teachers and guidance counselors also displayed their talents in a show-stopping dance performance.

Senior Gavin Lill held the spirit stick as the Vikings cheered as loud as they could to show their school spirit. At the end of the pep rally, the seniors ran onto the football field and further demonstrated their enthusiasm for West Chester East!

At 7:00 PM, the Homecoming game began, and East Vikings cheered from the student section as our football team played against the Henderson Warriors.

During halftime, the Henderson marching band performed and the winners of East’s Homecoming Court were announced. Nominees for Homecoming Queen included Saoirse Dooley, Eleana Rudderow, Jessica Amatrudo, Danielle Lewis, Chinonye Moneme, and Nikita Gandhi. The nominees for Homecoming King were Srihan Basvapatri, Joel Falkenstein, Luke Borkowski, Tanner Wolov, Drew Steele, Nick Baffa, and John Ammon. Eleana Rudderow and Srihan Basvapatri were announced as runners-up; Luke Borkowski and Jessica Amatrudo were crowned Homecoming King and Queen!

While Henderson defeated East with a score of 41-20, the Vikings put in a solid effort that contributed greatly to a memorable Homecoming game.

And finally, on Saturday, East students gathered outside for the annual Homecoming dance! Everyone looked fantastic, dressed in their best dresses and formal wear. For many, this was their first dance here at East, and you could feel the excitement in the air. Students had an amazing time dancing to Dancing Queen, Kiwi, and many other student favorites. People had a fabulous time dancing and seeing friends. Many also had fun after the dance by hanging out with friends or going to dinner.

Overall, East’s 2021 Homecoming was a hit! Students had a great time dressing up for Spirit Week, supporting the football team at the game, and dancing away at the Homecoming Dance.