A sea of blue and gold cheers as the Bearkats approach the end zone. A freshman, voice hoarse from cheering, is decked out in yellow construction gear and blue face paint. A senior wearing an elaborate white mum, watches excitedly, hoping for a Bearkat win her senior year. The student section erupts as ol’ Klein High ends the game 48-24.
The homecoming football game is one of many festivities that takes place during homecoming week. There were also dress-up days, a special pep rally, and a Jamboree to wrap up the victorious homecoming week.
The pep rally was held outside in the football stadium for the first time in four years. The last time it was held there was in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s definitely a lot hotter this year, I think that’s just gonna be a downside, so that means everybody’s attitudes are gonna be way up,” senior Bearkadette escort Regan Rucker said. “I think it’s good because then the underclassmen and the upperclassmen can connect with each other a little bit more. I also like the fact that the band, and the Bearkadettes and cheer, they can all be on the field and just, you know, appreciate all the work each group puts in for what they love to do.”
The student body came together on the home side of the stadium to watch the many student organizations perform. The varsity cheerleaders performed a 30-year-old dance number with the varsity football players and standleaders. The award-winning marching band provided music, including the Klein High fight song. The Bearkadettes performed their traditional teacher dance, where teachers were invited to perform with the Bearkadettes.
“I like seeing everything going on…. the different clubs, like the cheerleaders, the Bearkadettes, and the band,” sophomore Justice Cooper said. “They had some good music this year, I really loved it.”
The Klein Oak Panthers were this year’s opponent at the football game. The Bearkats won 48-24. This is the first homecoming win in three years.
“It’s fun, I like to go to the game,” senior Hailey Gray said. “I just like hype, I like watching them. And a lot of my friends are down there, so it’s fun watching them. I get to feel that Bearkat spirit.”
In addition to the football game, students enjoyed being social with friends.
“I got to hang out with all my friends and we got to see each other’s mums again and we can cheer for Klein all together, and it’s nice to see other people,” freshman Morgan Cole said.
The homecoming game is when students and alumni “come home” to show off their school spirit. Freshman Sawyer Hamblen, along with several other friends, wore a yellow construction vest and helmet, and painted his face blue and gold. Hamblen said it was his way of showing school spirit.
“Football is fun,” Hamblen said. “I’ve loved football since I was a little kid.”
Homecoming mums are primarily a Texas tradition that students wear on homecoming game day. Senior Skylar Litherland adorned her mum with a mini graduation cap, teddy bear, and some Western-themed accessories. She said it’s her favorite homecoming tradition.
“I have to make senior year memorable,” Litherland said. “{Mums} are like a Texas thing and express who you are. It expresses all the things you like, and everyone’s is so unique and perfect.”
Making mums can be a labor-intensive project, sometimes requiring assistance from friends or parents.
“My mom and I made it {my mum} together, and it was a really fun experience together, I got to show it off to all my friends,” Cole said.
Typically, Jamboree is held before the homecoming game. This year, Jamboree was the day after the homecoming game, since it was on a Thursday.
Hundreds of students dressed in their alphabet day gear and crowded the bus parking lot to buy food, support fundraisers and play games. Booths offered a variety of goods and services, ranging from homemade brownies sold by Women in STEM to face painting done by students in the National Art Honor Society.
Jamboree is a school tradition, bringing the students together at the end of an eventful homecoming week. Students can play carnival-style games, or watch their favorite teacher getting pie thrown in their face. It’s also an opportunity for clubs and organizations to be showcased and gain recognition from their booths.
“It’s more fun coming down to Jamboree after the Bearkat win last night, it’s all pure vibes and enjoyment,” senior Ellie Weaver said.
With so many clubs, organizations, and booths the possibilities are endless. This allows for each person to find something they like.
“I got the Bruster’s Ice cream,” junior Chelsea Jackson said. “Mint Chip ice cream is my weakness.”
Even outside vendors from around the community joined in the jamboree fun.
“We’re here supporting the honors art program and we couldn’t be happier.” Bruster’s owner Greg Martinez said. “There is so much energy with all the students and we’re having a ton of fun.”
From the dress-up days to the actual homecoming dance, students had the chance to experience a whirlwind of homecoming.
“I love it, honestly it’s a community. We definitely have a lot of fun,” senior Standleader Junior Orphey said.
