Tiger Pride was through the roof this year with Tiverton High School’s action-packed Homecoming Week of 2022. Spanning October 17 through the 22nd, each day held various activities that unified Tiverton’s students, faculty, staff, and community. Finally leaving the COVID era behind, several school traditions made their comeback this season, and enthusiasm was abundant everywhere. Here is a rundown of how Tiverton High officially kicked off the 2022-2023 school year.
With the admirable planning of the THS Student Council staff and students, each day of the week had both a dress theme and an after-school game. The four classes competed for the most Spirit Points by dressing up and recruiting classmates to take part in the games, which consisted of Pie Eating, Relay Races, “Minute to Win It”, Tug O’ War, and the classic Powder Puff football match. It was heartwarming to see not only the dedication and spirit of each class’s volunteers, but also the crowds of friends who came to support them.
The Spirit Week competition was led by the Senior class with a remarkable total of 330 points, followed by the Sophomores with 286 points, then the Juniors with 279 points and the Freshmen with 208 points. The Seniors were also the Powder Puff game champions, with the Juniors as runner-ups and the Sophomores and Freshmen landing in 3rd and 4th place, respectively.
This year, THS was able to bring back Pep Rally in the gymnasium, which was decked out in playful maroon, gold, and white decorations created by each class.
Ms. Blaser, who was a leading organizer of the Spirit Week events, said,
“It was also fantastic to see the Pep Rally back in the gym since the Seniors are the only class who has experienced that. While it was nice to be in the sunshine in 2021, it’s easier to see all the action in the gym and way more fun to decorate inside!”
Following the Pep Rally and Powder Puff game, Friday night hosted the annual Bonfire, a tradition that was reestablished in 2021. Then came the Homecoming Game, which, with the recent restoration of the lights, was proudly held after dark. The bleachers were packed full of students in their finest hard-hats and construction vests (the elected game theme), supporting Tiverton’s battle against Davies. It was also a joy to see Tiverton High’s very own Band and Cheer Team rally excitement from the crowd.
At Halftime, the Senior Homecoming Court was announced, starring Ben Sowa and Millie Gerlach as King and Queen. Ciana Azevedo, Ethan Casey, Catie Sullivan, Kaedin Vicente, Miranda Aguiar, Tristan White, Adrianna Simpson, Seth Batista, Samantha Hyson, Keegan Dutelle, Kasey Tappen, Ben Pacheco, Avery Deneault, Sam Farley, and Ethan Taylor also made their appearances on the Court.
Lastly, the week was topped off with the highly anticipated Homecoming Dance, held on Saturday in the gym with Mr. Teeter on tunes. Some lucky Tiverton students were chosen by their friends to slow-dance with each member of the Homecoming Court, a regular event that always generates hollers, blushes and laughs.
In reflection of the wild week, Sophomore student Avery Antonevich noted,
“I liked Spirit Week because it was something different and I always look forward to it. It was a change of pace from the regular weeks of school.”
Like Avery said, this year’s Homecoming Week was truly one for the books. Not only was it an emphatically memorable 6 days, but it also served as a triumphant return to an element of high school culture that so many have missed.
Many thanks go out to the staff, students, families, and Tiverton community who helped bring it all together. None of this was possible without each and every person’s hard work and love for Tiverton High.
Until next year!