A few weeks ago, Cienega High School held one of the most exciting home-coming weeks the Vail School District has ever seen. From quirky “theme” days throughout the week to the blowout victory the Bobcats held over Desert View, homecoming was absolutely incredible from beginning to end.
On that Monday, Cienega students showed their spirit by wearing graphic tees with the Cienega Bobcat logo, and throughout the week the days grew more interesting. On Tuesday the students wore patterned clothing; stripes and plaid garb filled the hallways and courtyard.
Wednesday boasted a new theme among homecoming week with the introduction to 80s day. Legwarmers, spandex, and sweatbands were back for that eight-hour school day… much to the younger students’ dismay. Most students enjoyed flashing back from the future however. “The atmosphere was full of school spirit and proliferating happiness,” said senior Vanessa Dionne. “My favorite day was 80s day by far! Simply because [there is] nothing cooler than the 80s!”
Thursday appeared to be more of an exciting sports convention than a high school, but that is only because everyone was invited to wear and show off his or her favorite sports team. Sports jerseys ranged from die-hard hockey fans, to the hard-hitting rugby followers.
Friday, the last homecoming day of the year was full of school spirit. Teachers and students alike were asked to show off their class colors. Friday was a different sort of day however. Because homecoming week is a celebration of one’s school, assemblies are one of the most important ways to get students pumped up for the homecoming game and dance that follows the end of the school day. For many students, the assembly was extraordinary. Senior LaFonda Radcliffe said, “Homecoming was intense. [But] the best part was the assembly because EVERYONE was so pumped up for the game.” That spirit translated into a win later that night over the then undefeated Desert View Jaguars.
After defeating the Jaguars coach Nemer Hassey said, “ It was a good game. The kids played well. They went out and executed. [It was nice because] we felt a lot of support from the community.” And execute they did. The Bobcats demolished the Jaguars 49–7 as Cienega fans cheered them on the entire night. The crowd was going wild with every touchdown, and for the senior players, this game was one to remember.
“We came ready to play. I feel as if it couldn’t have gone any better. We won, there was good food, and all around good times,” said senior Garrett Brandt. From the beginning to the end the students and faculty at Cienega High School had an awesome week. Though nostalgia and a bittersweet happiness set in for most seniors, no one can deny that the 2011–2012 homecoming week was one to remember.
