The entire Byram Hills community came together in early October to celebrate the 2019 Homecoming. Bobcat pride was on full display in the hallways, bleachers, and athletic fields throughout the week.
To kick things off, traveling pep-rallies visited H.C.Crittenden, Wampus, and Coman Hill to get the younger students into the spirit of Homecoming. High school athletes, cheerleaders, and our own Bobcat mascot greeted students with energy and enthusiasm.
Kallie Hoffman, a Byram Hills senior said, “The school spirit was outstanding this year. There was such an energy seen and heard throughout the hallways, and fan participation was higher than ever.”
High school students celebrated the week with different daily spirited themes. Spirit Week culminated with the high school’s annual in-school Pep Rally. The Pep Rally featured a stunning routine from the varsity cheerleaders, contests between grade levels, stirring performances from the band, the introduction of the Homecoming Court and the Homecoming Dance announcement.
“The pep rally was bittersweet for me, as I finally sat in the corner of the gym solely reserved for seniors, said Kallie Hoffman. On the bright side, I lost my voice screaming the chants, participated in the silly games with my friends, and lead the girls soccer team cheer when the team was invited to the floor to celebrate our season.”
The event was run by seniors Amanda Nivasch and Jack Eagle who kept the crowd hyped. “The best part about being an MC for our pep rally was interacting with every part of the school. I had never been able to work with each grade, the teachers, and the administration all for a single purpose,” said Jack Eagle, Byram Hills senior. “The whole process demonstrated to me how the entire Byram Hills community could come together in one group and have such a great event.”
For the second year in a row, night games were played under the lights. Large, enthusiastic crowds filled the bleachers long after sunset each night during the week. The Bobcat Boosters organized a number of food trucks during the games for the spectators. Even the youth soccer teams got in on the action, adding to the already notable sense of community.
The BHHS Pep Band, under the direction of Mr. Alan Lounsbury, punctuated highlights of the game with upbeat music that kept the crowds chanting while Byram Hills High School art students contributed to the festivities through their creative, Bobcat chalk artwork.
Homecoming was also the official opening for the new Byram Hills turf field. The turf was crisp, visually stunning and included impressive upgrades for multiple sports. “The facility upgrades created such a positive buzz and I believe the athletes all felt it,” said Rob Castagna, Byram Hills Athletic Director. “The improvements reinforce how much the Byram Hills community supports our students.”
Homecoming was a great way to bring students, faculty, and the community together to celebrate school spirit. Mr. Castagna said, “What I see and hear are happy athletes and successful teams.”
“I am incredibly thankful to the District, Board of Education, and school community for supporting our students with this necessary renovation,” said Christopher Walsh, Byram Hills High School Principal. “So many of our students’ lasting memories of high school will be connected to their athletic participation. It makes me happy to know they will make those memories on such a beautiful track and field.”
“Homecoming 2019 was definitely the best in all of my high school years at Byram Hills,” said Kallie Hoffman. “I am honored to have been able to participate in the events and represent my school.”