Optimism is high for Homecoming

By Doug Stohlberg

Despite problems in the past, Hudson High School Principal Beth Lanning is optimistic about homecoming '99 which began earlier this week and culminates with most events Friday and Saturday.

"We've got a great group of kids coordinating things this year," Lanning said. "They've taken care of many of the details, including parent chaperones for the powder puff game."

She said most of the students are from the Student Council, Peer Helpers and other student organizations.

"I want to mention the students who have been meeting with me regularly," Lanning said. "They are Jamie Page, Lucas Myers, Allison Burchill, Jeremy Cook, Katy Cari, Jon Thompson and Erica Rudy. There are others, but I've been meeting with this group."

As far as security measures are concerned, Lanning said the school sent a letter to all parents discouraging the use of so-called "class colors" and "unacceptable evening activities." She said students wearing colors will be directed to change before classes. Any class time missed will be treated as an unexcused absence. She said police have also indicated they will enforce the city's truancy law. The fine is $50 plus court costs.

"We wanted to send a letter so no parent can come back and say they didn't know about the class color policy," she said.

Unacceptable behavior outlined in the letter includes hazing, toilet papering, spray painting, splat balling, duct taping of people, egging of property and general curfew violations. Lanning said police will also be present at homecoming activities.

Lanning said. The letter asks for parents cooperation in four areas:

1 - Discourage the wearing of class colors.

2 - Know where your students are (particularly at night) during the week.

3 - Establish, through discussion with your children, your expectations for respectful behavior.

4 - Be personally present at as many school events as possible during the week.

Homecoming events Thursday include a fourth hour pep fest, Blue/White Day and voting for the homecoming queen.

Friday is camouflage day at school. A powder puff football game begins at 5 p.m. at Newton Field. The event features a football game between junior and senior girls. Proceeds from the event are donated to the winning team's favorite charity. Also Friday night is the annual Wall of Fame dinner, 5 p.m. at the HHS cafeteria. Inducted this year are David Kelly and Norman 'Ole' Anderson (posthumously).

Saturday finds several events including the Hudson-Superior football game at 1 p.m. at Newton Field. A change this year finds the queen coronation before the game, at approximately 12:45 p.m. The homecoming dance is 8 p.m. that night at the school.