Norwin Homecoming 2021 festivities in full swing

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Knight Krier staff

2021 Senior Homecoming Court: (Girls) Madison Butina, Victoria Hua, Nicole Tougher (Boys) Luke Levendosky, Doug Samber, Mitch Kenney

          An exciting week lies ahead for the Norwin community.  Homecoming weekend quickly approaches and a number of events will soon take place.

     Beginning on Monday Oct. 11, students throughout the district will participate in Spirit Week.   Student dress themes include:  ‘Merica Monday, Neon Tuesday, Well-Dressed Wednesday, Twin Thursday, and Blue and Gold Norwin Friday.

     Friday Oct. 15 will be quite a busy day for students. That morning, high school students will attend a Homecoming Pep Rally at the Knights stadium. 

     “The event will celebrate Norwin pride and will have a number of competitions and entertainment,” said Dr. Michael Choby, high school principal.

 

“I don’t want kids to miss anything. I think things like Homecoming make lasting memories. I think if you surround yourself with good friends, you’ll have a good experience.”

— Dr. Michael Choby

  

   Additionally, students get out early on Friday for a 2-hour  dismissal, as well as no school Monday for a teacher professional development day.

    On Friday evening, Norwin High School Class Office will be holding its 7th Annual Homecoming Carnival starting at 3:30. If the weather permits, the event will be held outside. If not, it will take place in the main gym where masks will be required as per the current mandate. 

     Wristbands will be used as admission to the event. Wristbands will be $15 at the door and $12 when pre-ordered before Oct. 8. All pre-ordered tickets will be handed out upon arrival to the Carnival. (ORDER WRISTBAND HERE) Games include Candy Crush, skee ball, slingshot and more! A dunk tank will be set up outside the main gym for a chance to dunk Norwin faculty, administration, and students. Live entertainment will be performed and food trucks will be there as well. 

     After the carnival, the annual Homecoming football game will take place. The Knights will take on the Mount Lebanon Blue Devils beginning at 7 pm. The Castle Crew theme is whiteout and all students attending are encouraged to participate. 

     I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at the game,” said senior football player Ryan Hileman. “I’m excited to play with my brothers next to me and we’re going to give it all our best.”

     The crowning of Homecoming King and Queen will take place during halftime.  Norwin seniors voted to select the 2021 Court. Senior king candidates include Mitch Kenney, Douglas Samber, Luke Levendosky; queen candidates are Madison Butina, Victoria Hua, and Nicole Tougher.

GIRLS: Miya Valecko, Mackenzie Wray, Jocelyn Boyd, Nicole Tougher, Victoria Hua, Madison Butina, Chloe Lorenc,  Audra Fedor and Julia Walko
BOYS:  Ameer Elatrache, Anthony Demaro, Aaron Schmook, Mitch Kenney, Douglas Samber, Luke Levendosky, David Shepherd, Arnav Bedekar, and Andrew Brown

    In addition to the senior king and queen candidates, other underclassmen are represented on the Homecoming court. Freshmen attendants Mackenzie Wray and Miya Valecko; sophomores Audra Fedor and Julia Walko; and juniors Jocelyn Boyd and Chloe Lorenc will all be honored during halftime. Student Council escorts include: freshmen Anthony Demaro and Ameer Elatrache; sophomores Arnav Bedekar, Andrew Brown, David Shepherd; and senior Aaron Schmook.

     The festivities do not end on Friday. The Homecoming Parade will begin at 10:30 Saturday morning in downtown Irwin. Many of Norwin’s sports teams and clubs participate in the community parade.

     “We’re very excited to participate this year,” said FCCLA president, Ashley Cramer. “Since there wasn’t a parade last year, we are especially looking forward to this year. I can’t wait to throw out candy to the kids!”

     Saturday evening, the Homecoming Dance will take place at Norwin High School. The dance will be held from 7-10 pm. Any Norwin student in grades 9-12, either in person or online can attend. Outside dates are not permitted unless they are a Norwin alumni under the age of 21. 

     Students will be seeing a number of changes this year compared to previous. The dance will be held in the main gym instead of the auxiliary gym to allow more room and ventilation. As per the current mandate, masks will be required in the building. Other open areas include the cafeteria and a tent set up outside by the athletic lot if the weather permits.

      “Student Council has been working hard to plan the Homecoming events for the 2021 school year,” said Student Council president Grace Ketler. “We are so excited to be able to have a pep assembly, game, parade, and dance. We think that this will be a great weekend to bring the community together and return to events that the students have missed for two years.”

      In addition to Ketler and Student Council, teacher and Student Council Adviser Mr. Patrick MacLaughlin and Principal Dr. Choby are hard at work planning the dance and activities. Both are hopeful the dance will happen.

     “I don’t want kids to miss anything. I think things like Homecoming make lasting memories,” said Choby. “I think if you surround yourself with good friends, you’ll have a good experience.”