Preview: Homecoming returns to SV

Does Scotts Valley High School’s annual homecoming, set for Friday, Oct. 16, really qualify as good old-fashioned American fun? Well, let’s see.
Football games under the lights? Yep. Marching bands and cheerleaders? Check. A parade of floats handcrafted by students? Absolutely. Crowning of the homecoming king and queen and their court? Of course. Lots of great food and carnival games and booths and other attractions? Yes, yes and yes. A raffle with a huge prize? For sure.
It’s certain that attendees will enjoy a feel-good, traditional slice of Americana at the high school. This year’s theme is “Under the…” — so seniors are “Undercover,” juniors are “Under the Bed,” sophomores are “Under Arrest” and freshmen are “Under the Sea.”
The entire community is invited to join the celebration, which begins with a carnival from 3 to 7 p.m. Nine different school clubs will host carnival game booths to raise money for their clubs. Air brush tattoos, face-painting, interactive games and contests and a ton of great food await visitors.
The school’s powerhouse freshmen (3 p.m.), junior varsity (5 p.m.) and varsity (7 p.m.) football teams will take on the Harbor High Pirates on the football field. Thanks to Granite Construction’s donation of temporary lights again this year, the varsity game will be played under lights, which is a huge treat for players and fans.
Halftime activities during the varsity game include the class floats and announcement of the homecoming royalty. Students will get to show off their school — and their school spirit — to the biggest crowd of the football season.
One of the highlights will be the halftime selection of the winner of the 2009 Parent Club Raffle. The winner will receive a truly unique and beautiful locally crafted quilt. Raffle tickets will be available in the school office until halftime of the varsity game for $5 each or three for $10. The winner doesn’t need to be present to win.
The club is trying to reach its goal of raising $1,000 in ticket sales to underwrite its many worthwhile projects, including student scholarships, discretionary funds for teachers, counselors and administrators, and academic materials for classroom use. The club also helps run the high school’s E-scrip program, Grad Night, graduation, Teacher Appreciation Day, student registration, test proctors and many other programs and events.
Called Indigo Journey, the prize quilt is 81 inches wide and 87 inches long (appropriate for up to queen-sized beds), designed by Julie Edwards-Levy of Scotts Valley and quilted by local master quilter Mary Lundberg. Its panels were acquired from around the world, including Africa, China and Japan. It’s an incredible creation and can be seen in the school office until homecoming.
• Michael Rein is the public relations vice president of the Scotts Valley High School Parent Club.