By Haiku Peters, features editor, and Amanda Crowl, editor in chief

Although the pandemic initially created doubt about whether Homecoming would happen or not, Student Council president Matt Nale and adviser Phil Young recently released the happy news that the beloved tradition has been scheduled for October 15-16. Of course, as with everything else 2020, some parts of the celebration will be modified to adhere to Covid-19 restrictions. 

For the first time ever, the assembly introducing the candidates will be held on the football field October 15 during the WINN period, starting at 2:20 p.m.. Students in grades 9-12 will be permitted to attend this assembly (along with parents of the members of the court). If the weather does not cooperate, the assembly will be moved inside to the auditorium. In that case, only seniors and court parents will attend. The event will be live streamed to all who cannot be present. 

With regard to homecoming week, plans are still under construction. “We will be having Spirit Week,” Nale said. “Next week, we will meet to finalize plans, so stay tuned.” Students and staff can expect a full week of celebration with theme days leading up to the weekend events. 

On Friday, Oct. 16, Saegertown will face Cochranton at 7 p.m. Prior to the kickoff, the homecoming king and queen will be crowned in a ceremony starting at 6:30 p.m. New this year, the first runners-up will be named homecoming prince and princess. Each member of the senior class will receive a ticket, and members of the homecoming court will receive two additional tickets for their parents. “I hope the student body gets a sense of normalcy from Homecoming, and that it reinvigorates their pride in their school and community,” Mr. Young said. 

Unfortunately there will be no homecoming dance this year, and all other plans may be subject to change based on developing pandemic guidance. Despite these changes, however, Nale emphasized the importance of having Homecoming: “I want everyone to have the experience I did when I was little, so I am doing my best to make sure that happens,” Nale said. “We just want Homecoming to be as normal as possible so that everyone can have fun.”

The 2020 Homecoming Candidates are:

For King: Jaden Reagle, Jake Reisinger, Nathan DeYoung, Matt Nale, Max Fuller, and Logan Ingram

For Queen: Cassidy Boylan, Amber Costello, Ava Jones, Dixie Kindervater, Ella Nicholson, and Kyla Swavey