Fall is a very popular season, and rightfully so. Cool weather, changing colors, and fun drinks and candles are typical highlights, but for many Warren students, homecoming week is
the main feature. Filled with entertaining events and ample opportunities to show school spirit, this year’s “Hollywood Homecoming” was no different. The festivities began with theme days the week leading up to the dance. As per usual, the Student Council chose a thematic 5-letter word — OSCAR — to double as an acronym for the spirit days. Students and teachers alike dressed up, sporting various looks throughout the week and ending with a classic “blue and gold Friday” to support the Warren football team before the big homecoming game that night. Notable ensembles included the array of flannel, denim, boots, and braids donned on “Old Town Road” (western) day as well as student-favorite “Anything But a Backpack” day. These opportunities to dress up kickstarted the homecoming spirit and acted as a fun way to relieve the stress of the busy week while simultaneously building school culture.

Another celebratory event was the powderpuff football game that took place on Tuesday. After some tough competition, the junior powderpuff team, or “JP” as they endearingly called themselves in their team huddle, took home the win that many deemed an upset considering they were down several players. The team, coached by Warren psychology teacher Mrs. Aldrich and students Caleb Levy and Jacquari Nabb, not only brought their flag-football skills, but insane spirit and enthusiasm that contributed to their victory and made the game fun to watch.

Wednesday brought the annual pep-rally, a popular way to get in the homecoming spirit.  This year’s rally had a great turn-out, particularly from the junior and senior classes. Students were instructed to dress in grade-specific colors and sit in designated sections for a little friendly competition between classes. Per usual, the seniors went all out in a last hurrah to celebrate their final year here at Warren. The pep rally included various games, performances by Warren’s Devilettes, cheer, and band, and of course, the infamous spirit-stick competition, which was awarded to the class of ‘23 for the fourth consecutive year. The crowd went wild for the drumline, who never fail to get people cheering at football games and other school events.

The week’s excitement was brought to a head at Friday’s much-anticipated homecoming football game against Lake Zurich. The theme was “Gold Rush”, and the student section was decked out in metallic and yellow accessories accordingly. The stadium was full of energy as the teams battled it out. Halftime featured a performance by color guard and band as well as a collaborative routine between cheer and Devilettes. Homecoming royalty was named, the senior
representatives being Aaliyah Rivera and Victor Flores. Despite the 23-14 loss, the Blue Devils fought hard and are looking forward to making their comeback at this week’s jersey-themed match against Waukegan.

Students, faculty, and families from the Warren community came out Saturday morning to watch the annual homecoming parade. This year’s “Devils in Hollywood” spectacle featured floats advertising various clubs, sports, and activities here at Warren. Marchers handed out informational flyers and, as always, tossed candy to spectators. The homecoming royalty also made an appearance, followed by a float honoring returning graduates from the class of 1982.  The bands from Woodland and Viking middle schools, the primary feeder schools for Warren, played a joint piece, and the township youth and current Warren cheerleaders performed together. The homecoming parade is a fun way to celebrate with the whole community and promote Warren extracurriculars.

The pinnacle of homecoming week, the dance itself, took place Saturday night. After pioneering a combined indoor-outdoor style to adapt to COVID regulations the previous year,
Warren once again opted for the hybrid approach. Students were able to migrate between the dance floor in the gym and the outdoor area that included seating, food trucks, and a more conversational atmosphere. Between the DJ, dancing, fireworks, and photo booth, the Hollywood Homecoming dance was the perfect close to the week of celebration and school spirit.