Homecoming: The Origins of the Celebration

Written by: Keya Gambhir

Homecoming is a super popular tradition in schools all across the United States. It’s not just about a dance or a football game, it’s a way for students, teachers, and former students to come together and celebrate school spirit. But have you ever wondered why it’s called “homecoming” and how it all started? Let’s take a closer look!

What Does “Homecoming” Mean?

The name “homecoming” actually tells you a lot about what the event is all about. It’s called that because schools invite former students, or alumni, to “come home” to their old school. These gatherings are full of fun activities like parades, football games, pep rallies, and dances. Basically, it’s a way for people to return to a place full of memories, friends, and school pride.

Even though homecoming now includes lots of different activities, the main goal is always the same: bringing the school community together. Students get to see alumni, alumni get to relive their school days, and everyone gets to show off their school spirit!

The Early Days of Homecoming

Homecoming is linked to the early days of football in the United States. Some of the very first “coming home” celebrations happened in the 1870s during the annual Harvard-Yale football game. Both universities invited alumni to return home for the big game, making it a special day for students and former students alike. These early events included many of the things we still see today: pep rallies, parades, speeches, and dances. The goal was always the same, to unite students and alumni and boost school pride.

Mizzou’s Famous Homecoming

The University of Missouri, also called Mizzou, is often credited with creating modern homecoming in 1911. Chester Brewer, the school’s athletic director, invited alumni to come back for a football game against the University of Kansas. Brewer wanted to make sure alumni would still attend the game after a new rule required games to be played on college campuses. Over 9,000 alumni showed up!

Brewer’s event included a pep rally, a parade, and a football game, the same key parts we see in homecoming celebrations today. Some other universities, like Michigan, Illinois, and Baylor, had similar events around the same time, which is why people sometimes debate who invented homecoming first. Even so, Mizzou’s celebration became famous and is recognized as one of the largest and longest-running homecoming traditions in the U.S.

Homecoming at High Schools

By the 1920s and 1930s, high schools started having their own homecoming celebrations. They wanted to copy college traditions and boost school spirit. High schools added their own twists, like homecoming courts, parades, and dances. Football games remained the main event, and the dance afterward became a favorite for students.

The Storm King School in New York, for example, has been celebrating homecoming since at least 1951. That year, the football team had an undefeated season, and students, alumni, and families came together to cheer them on. Today, Storm King’s homecoming includes school-wide activities, senior recognition, and events that involve everyone from students and teachers to families and alumni.

Why Is Homecoming in the Fall?

Homecoming always happens in the fall because that’s football season! Football games are a huge part of homecoming, and fall also marks the start of the school year. This makes it a perfect time for students, alumni, and families to gather, cheer for the team, and celebrate together.

The Key Parts of Homecoming

Homecoming is more than just a football game. Here are some of the main parts of a typical high school homecoming:

• Football Game: The game is usually the biggest event. Everyone comes to cheer for their school and support the team.

• Pep Rally: Before the game, students gather in the gym or auditorium to cheer, listen to speeches, and get pumped up.

• Homecoming Court: Students vote for classmates to be on the homecoming court. At the game or dance, a king and queen are crowned.

• Parade: Many schools have a parade with floats made by student groups, marching bands, and even alumni.

• Dance: The homecoming dance is often the most exciting event for students. Everyone dresses up, dances, and celebrates the week’s events.

Homecoming Today

Today, homecoming includes even more activities. Many schools have “spirit week,” with themed days leading up to the football game. Students dress up, compete in fun challenges, and show school pride in creative ways. At Storm King, homecoming has become a way to celebrate athletics, senior students, and school spirit. Mizzou has added talent shows, blood drives, and community service events. Social media now helps students and alumni share memories and excitement, even if they can’t attend in person.

Homecoming is about more than football or dancing, it’s about remembering the fun times at school, showing pride in your school, and connecting with classmates, teachers, and alumni. Every year, it gives students a chance to celebrate the special place they call their school.

So next time you hear “homecoming,” remember, it’s all about coming back home to a place full of memories, friends, and school pride!