What a week it’s been. I’m not going to lie. It’s always a little more relaxing when it’s over, as the extra energy can sometimes derail what we are here for. With that said though, I know how important these types of school/ community events are and what we love about the tradition of Homecoming Week. To pull off events like this, there are a lot of people behind the scenes who really help to make these moments special and ultimately allow us to have a great week. We saw so many great traditions continue and so many fun memories created for the student body of Springfield High School. I just want to draw your attention to a few of those things and celebrate those little moments and some of the people behind them.
One of those special moments of Homecoming Week really comes from the kids themselves. In our formal ceremony during the week, each of our seniors address the student body and give a speech about what Springfield has meant to them. This year all of the speeches were exceptionally good. So good that I asked two of the students to send them to me so that I could publish them and share how great of a place that Springfield is and allow you to hear it from the student’s perspective. All the speeches were good but Emma Scheuer and Kyle Mortus’ to me really stood out. For example, both spoke to the students about being positive and enjoying the moments. Emma shared, “In my freshman year I wasn’t known as the most outgoing person. As I moved to Penta, I completely changed my view on things. Being at Penta, I realized there were so many students from so many different schools, and it was a fresh start. I stepped out of my comfort zone and would go up to random people and talk to them. I realized that kindness is so much more important than being considered popular. Instead of being the shy person who would always wait for people to come up to her, I’m now the person who makes sure everyone feels included and welcomed.” This message of kindness can resonate with anyone and is really good for all of those students who at some time might not feel seen.
Kyle’s speech had a great ending for everyone. Kyle shared, “I am thankful for the teachers who have inspired and challenged me, who taught me skills that I will continue to develop throughout my life. You made me grow in ways I would never have thought I could. As we stand here today, I am thankful for all the memories and all the blessings that have come from this journey. Michael Josephson said it well, “Take pride in how far you have come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don’t forget to enjoy the journey.” So get out there and push yourselves, widen your horizon, try new things, and remember, to follow your heart, cherish every minute and do what is right for you. The wait may hurt, but the growth is always worth it.” Again, what a message to our young people about how important this journey of high school is. These two speeches really represented the Class of 2026 well.
Next, I must thank Mrs. Carrie Wcislek for all that she did this whole week. The pageantry and coordination that goes on couldn’t be done without Wcislek and her committee. Once again, the halftime show was absolutely amazing with the saber guard leading the way and the band providing the backdrop. The tradition of seeing the candidates cross the field was awesome. That moment always electrifies the crowd as people wait with anticipation for the announcement of Homecoming King and Queen. So congratulations to Logan Goodrick and Emma Scheuer and all of the Homecoming Court, as I know that’s a moment that will live with you forever.
To Mrs. Studebaker and the student government crew, you helped make Homecoming Week even more memorable. The ideas that she came up with the videos that went out to explain the games, the hallway decorations, all of it was amazing. I’m so thankful that you guys want to up your game and make the week even more spirited. You guys did an awesome job this year.
Finally I want to give a shout out to our Athletic Director Andrew Screptock. He provides so much for the game and the dance, and I know how busy this week is for him. But without those two things, the week just would not be even possible. During his normal working week, he adds in time to coordinate all the people for the dance, the DJ, the pictures, all the workers, all the security and everything else that goes along with having a great dance.
Other than some crowdsurfing, some sore feet and a lot of spilled drinks for some reason, the dance went off without a hitch. Very well attended and everyone got home safely. Thank you so much to Screptock and his team for all they did to have that moment for our kids.
Finally to all the parents and students, thank you for a great Homecoming Week. I hope your phones are filled with great pictures that will soon become great memories. High school is a great time in your life and there’s no doubt Homecoming Week is a part of that.
