If a stranger were to walk into Upper St. Clair High School on any of the days from September 22nd to the 26th, that stranger would come across students clad in some interesting get-ups. The reason for the interesting costumes was Homecoming Spirit Week.
Each day of Homecoming Spirit Week had a different theme: Monday was America Day, Tuesday was Pajama Day, Wednesday was Lumberjack Day (formerly 80’s Day), Thursday was Senior Valet for a Day, and Friday was USC Spirit Day.
For those confused about the Senior Valet for a Day Day, it is a day where underclassmen on the various teams at the high school dress up their senior teammates in any kind of crazy costume of their choice.
Everyone has a favorite day of this week, whether it be showing extreme patriotism on America Day or being comfortable the entire day on Pajama Day. Sophomore Ole Minuth, when asked what his favorite day was, said, “I would have to say Senior Valet Day because it was really fun dressing up the seniors on the swim team, and the seniors just look ridiculous.”
Junior Brad Puskar commented, “My favorite day is Pajama Day because it really encourages people to not care, and it makes everyone feel better that we are all not looking our best together.”
In the future, however, Puskar stated, “I would love to see a Teacher Valet Day, you know, where the students instead dress up the teachers in silly fashions.”
Puskar inspired several kids to consider which teacher would they dress up and what would they dress the teacher up as.
Senior Max DeYoung said, “I would dress up Mr. Coffman as a ballerina.”
Senior Cullen Murin offered, “I would dress up Mr. Zelenski as either a nun or a chair.”
When asked if he would participate in such a day, substitute teacher and football coach Mr. Matt Hogya replied bluntly, “No, I don’t like too look silly.”
Spirit Week concluded with a pep rally in the gym at the end of the day. The pep rally consisted of performances by the band, the National Anthem beautifully sung by the Chanteclairs, presentation of the football team, the cheerleaders doing their football game routines, visits from alumni, presentation of Homecoming Court, and the usual loud showing of panther pride from all the students.
Later on the Friday night, the football team played valiantly, but in the end suffered a heavy loss to Woodland Hills. Nevertheless, everyone showed their school spirit and cheered them on in the student section; everyone was excited for the Homecoming Dance the following night.