Homecoming plays a major role in most highschoolers’ lives. It is the time to take pictures, to get ready with friends, and to head off to a dance that celebrates the age old tradition of Homecoming King and Queen. Freedom held its Homecoming weekend Sept. 27 and 28.

The tradition at Freedom is to hold a pep rally to introduce the Homecoming court to the students. The event started with a moving rendition of the Star Spangled Banner as the American Sign Language students, led by Kimberly Elliott, signed the lyrics while the music played. From there, all homecoming nominees paired into couples and performed skits such as “Grease,” Mario Brothers, “Mamma Mia” and “Wizard of Oz.” The performances were met with crowd approval. Other pep rally events included announcing all the fall sports teams and a dance routine by Freedom’s Dance Team.

“I really had an amazing time making a skit, presenting it, and taking all the pictures,” said Lily Judge in an email interview.

On Friday, the Freedom football team demolished Pocono Mountain West with a final score of 42-8. Touchdowns were scored by Eloge Kalubi, Vince Reph, Owen Johnson, Maddy Russin, and Gabe Caton. Jared Jenkins threw four touchdown passes and Nick Stannard kicked six extra points for the team. The theme of this year’s Homecoming game was neon clothing, so the riot squad was decked out in everything neon.

The Homecoming court was announced at halftime during the game. The nominees for Homecoming Queen were Gabby Book, Grace Grandinetti, Karrington Hall, Lily Judge, Doris Muncan, Nasia Palaos, Grainne Schroeder and Kira Yost. The nominees for Homecoming King were Gabe Caton, Ryan Hill, Jared Jenkins, Thales Maciel, Jimmy Moniz, Vince Reph, Nick Stannard and Matt Thomsen. All of the nominees were escorted across the field with their family members, and their accomplishments were announced as they processed.

The Homecoming dance was held Saturday night. Many students gathered before the event to take pictures and to don their more formal attire. The three-hour dance was held in the old gym. The Homecoming King and Queen were announced at 9: Ryan Hill and Lily Judge.

“I was thinking about how lucky I was to be on the court in the first place, and how good of a time I had actually leading up to the Homecoming dance,” said Hill in an email interview.

All the Homecoming nominees are involved at Freedom through extracurricular activities and have contributed to the school throughout their four years.

“I am part of several clubs and organizations in the school! I am a captain for the soccer team, a defender for the lacrosse team, a liaison for Mini-THON, the female representative for SAAC, the student body secretary, and part of BBQ club. I have many friends in different activities too, such as theater, band, and boys’ athletics. Being involved in high school is honestly the best way to spend your time; you meet so many people and make so many friends,” Judge said.