HOMECOMING: Each grade level of Poly students competes in the annual Homecoming parade with their signature floats under the theme of “’90s are all that.”
By Connor Cassidy, Devin Varner, Ophelia Kimber (Guest Writer), Mikayla Halstead, Sarah Salmeron, Staff Writers
When the freshmen received the task to build a float based on the 90’s TV show, Saved by the Bell, they went straight to work. They started out by creating a design that didn’t quite fit the image they were looking for, but after a quick redesign, the float building process began. At first, freshmen worried that they wouldn’t be able to finish because not many students came to help. But, with many laughs and smiles, they managed to build a bear with a surfboard, 3D waves, and a realistic beach ball. The freshmen ASB members described the people who helped with float building as “one big team.” When the freshmen finally finished their float on Friday night, they celebrated by having their own little party full of singing and dancing. The freshmen struggled with highs and lows but managed to pull through with their first-ever homecoming float.
The sophomore class float building experience allowed for students and friends to come together, form new bonds, make new friends and memories, and ultimately, finish with the same goal in mind: to win first place. As the theme suggests, the class of 2022 stands together as one family, a full house. The float building itself, “brought our class together in ways that it hasn’t before” says Griffin Hord (10), sophomore float building MVP. Despite the stress and rumors that spread throughout the school, the sophomore class managed to finish with a Golden Gate Bridge that actually looked realistic. Even with the outcome that was not wanted or anticipated by the class, “the idea of making something bigger than ourselves has brought our class together” says Maggie Roemer (10). The sophomore float building theme, “Full House” not only symbolizes not only the float building experience but the class of 2022 as a whole. Throughout float building, obstacles were faced as a class, and everywhere you looked, there were a heart and a hand to hold on to.
The theme for homecoming was the 90’s and for juniors was The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. Monday through Friday, students worked hard to complete the float with plenty of snack breaks for students to stay energized. Students worked collaboratively to put the wood that would showcase the float and create flowers made of tissue paper. The juniors were confident they would win because they felt they had “the best theme.” Hope gave the students plenty of confidence and determination to finish their float. The class of 2021 enjoyed building this year’s float and can’t wait to go for the gold next year.
The senior class of 2020 had one of the biggest turnouts and even ended up winning the float competition. The seniors were given the show Friends following the overall theme of homecoming “Throwback to the ’90s.” Senior float building was filled with music, laughter and the celebration of their last homecoming day. “I feel more involved and more appreciative of what ASB and the staff go through and do for their friends and students. It has been a delight to come here and as heartbreaking as it is that it’s my last homecoming, this has definitely been the best,” said Amanda Gemende (12). Winning this year’s float building was a long-time goal for the class of 2020, and it finally became a reality for them thanks to their camaraderie and determination.
