This year, Student Government (StuGo) brought back a donation-based fundraiser for spirit links. They collected items and money that are going towards military care packages, providing a unique angle on the homecoming tradition.

This idea was determined by StuGo and their advisor Lerina Johnson. “We had everyone brainstorm different agencies and different things to donate money to. It turns out one of our staff members’ sons is in the Marines and we’re going to send the supplies directly to his troop,” said Johnson.

Johnson was referring to Margaret Harper who works in the attendance office.

StuGo president Aaron Clouse hopes that this change of direction will enhance the school’s community. He said, “One of the things that’s cool about spirit links is that it always brings people together. It’s cool to see everyone united when we bring out the donation at an assembly.”

Keeping with tradition, the teachers that collect the most items/money donations will be crowned homecoming royalty during the pep assembly. However, StuGo hopes their motives will change with the new military care packages. “I think in the past some staff members might have pushed their kids to donate to win royalty, but I think now it’s going to touch more hearts so staff members will get into it for the troops,” said Johnson.

The donations were accepted from Aug. 22 until Sept. 1 and included items essential for everyday use, including shaving cream, toothpaste, granola bars, and many more.

Along with the spirit links fundraiser, StuGo is busy planning for homecoming, adopting this year’s theme of ‘Fire Within’ based on the 2016 Olympics.

“For this year we specifically decided to take inspiration from the fact that it’s happening in Rio. Because it’s a place that’s rich in culture, we decided to pull from that and go with a carnival style with bright fabrics and some really detailed light shows,” said treasurer Jackson Daniels.

The bright atmosphere of Brazil will create a contrast from last year’s theme, which was based on Star Wars. Clouse could not disclose all information on this, but mentioned there will be several sports activities during lunch throughout homecoming week and an opening ceremony-based assembly that Friday.

The dance will be held on Saturday, Sept. 3 in the large gym from 7-10 p.m.