Published: October 06, 2008 01:39 am         

ALBION: Homecoming events celebrated in purple and white haze

School spirit was all around during Albion High School’s pep rally on Friday. Purple and white filled the bleachers, as students participated in activities, cheers and the homecoming court was announced.

“It brings students together,” said Athletic Director Richard Diminuco. “It’s student oriented — the school spirit is together.”

Diminuco has been announcing the event for 30 years. This will mark his last year at Albion and his last homecoming.

“I challenge the varsity team,” said a former football player during the assembly. “Don’t let his last homecoming game be a loss. He helps with all the sports. Don’t let his last year be a downer.”

Seniors Kellie Hughson and Jake Hayes were announced as homecoming king and queen. Juniors Devin Meakin and Michael Harding were named prince and princess. Sophomores Michelle Squicciarini and James Maples were named duchess and duke and Freshman Sara Olles and Peter Nesbitt were crowned lady and lord.

After all the junior varsity and varsity sports teams were announced and the homecoming court was crowned, the students left to get ready for the weekend ahead.

The girls volleyball teams took on Aquinas and the football game against Depew was played. On Saturday, seven soccer games were played, showing off junior high, junior varsity and varsity girls and boys soccer.

Many former students were also in attendance for the week of events.

“The alumni comes back,” Diminuco said. “There is a 20 and 30 year reunion at the alumni tent. The community rallies around.”

During the week, students also showed their spirit by dressing up for the different spirit days. Days included: formal day, multi-twin day, color by class day, super hero day and spirit day.

Senior class president and homecoming king Hayes said that there is competition between the classes, but it brings everyone together.

“This is the one time of year,” Hayes said. “Not just the school, but as an Albionite. You come together as a community. It’s lots of fun and you get loose before the rest of the year.”

Hayes favorite part of the week was the pep rally.

“It gets you riled up,” he said. “You show the dominance of seniors and you have fun. It’s something to look forward to.”

Senior Angel Ebrt is in charge of the spirit stick, that is given to the loudest class at the pep rally, each year.

“Homecoming brings us all back together,” Ebrt said. “All the worries and troubles of bullies go away for a week.”

Her favorite day is the spirit day because of the football game.

“It’s just a good time,” Ebrt said.