One of the biggest weeks at Bishop Gorman, homecoming week, has been celebrated in multiple ways every year since the school’s opening.
This year for the 70th anniversary of Bishop Gorman. alumni will be able to relive their homecoming experiences and compare them to this year’s homecoming, showing how the week has evolved over the years.
Every year, there is a new theme that reflects the latest trends that are familiar to all the students; however,some themes were better than others and have resonated with the alumni more. “The 50’S dress day was awesome! Girls wore poodle skirts and guys wore jeans and white T’s. Some guys would roll packs of cigarettes in their sleeves like the boys did in the 50’s. One year one of the seniors brought his dads ‘57 convertible car and [students] all posed for pics with it,” explained Greg Cava ‘76.
With that being said here on campus there are numerous teachers that are more recent alumni of Bishop Gorman that have significant memories of homecoming that have enhanced their highschool experience. “I always got so excited seeing the hallways decorated on Monday of Homecoming week. Walking through the hallways and seeing all the awesome decor really made the week feel special” English teacher, Ms. Desio ‘19 reminisced.
There were also certain events that are no longer celebrated during homecoming week that alumni miss.“We used to do a Homecoming Field Day called “Gael A Thon” and it was the best, no school just games and silliness all day. We all loved it,” activities director Mr.Gleich ‘01 remembered.
Along with the traditional homecoming dance there are also certain events that are celebrated only during homecoming season that students participate in and make the most out of the homecoming week. “I played powder puff football, went to after game socials and loved going to the tailgate party and homecoming football game. I also went to the dance all four years,” said Mandie Medford ‘02.
During the past 70 years at Bishop Gorman one thing that has not changed is the school spirit that is at an all time high during homecoming week. “I think what always uplifts school spirit is the alumni coming back to BG obviously when you see people that loved this place so much and still do it reminds you that Gorman is a special place,” Jimmy Gleich ‘01.
The time that school spirit is most alive is at the assembly in preparation for the big game. “The whole school was into homecoming everyone always dressed up and the skits were crazy fun. By the time Friday came everyone was so fired up, we all felt like we could play in the game,” Greg Cava ‘76.
By reflecting on alumni homecoming experience the school should take a page from its own book and take advantage of homecoming and make it the best 70th anniversary of Bishop Gorman.
