As I wipe the painted “NP” and blue and white lines off of my face, I have to admit that sometimes I take North Penn High School for granted. I step foot into the clean, organized, safe building five days out of the week, where I’m constantly greeted and taught by some of the finest, most passionate educators and staff members, who simply aspire for the success of each and every student. Granted with endless opportunities to immerse oneself in academically stimulating classes and activities, NPHS has proven to cultivate a culture not only of enriched learning, but also of educational experience and possibilities. Events like this year’s Homecoming celebration on Friday, September 23^rd, which seemed to improve with every fleeting minute, will forever linger in the back of my brain, reminding me of the pride I carry in calling myself a NPHS student.

After being informed by announcements over the loud speaker, NPTV, and social media posts regarding the specifics of Homecoming, the much anticipated event among the student body had finally arrived. To top off a successful spirit week to boost excitement for the annual event, staff and students flooded NPHS’s halls will blue and white Homecoming shirts, fall sports gear, and other NP related articles of clothing, and members of the Homecoming Court stood out from the crowd as they deservingly wore their silver sashes.

Once the bell rang, indicating the end of period 8A, I made my way down to the large gym to attend the pep rally. Expecting it to mimic the same format as the one I had attended in my sophomore year, I was amazed by incredible organization and creativity of this year’s black light pep rally. Before entering the gym, I was given glow sticks by a group of students handing them out. As the last students took their seats in the bleachers, the voice of NP, Mr. Manero, started off the pep rally with an exhilarating tone, causing the student body to erupt with excitement. After an impressive performance by the NPHS cheerleaders, Manero encouraged the students to chant a countdown to turn on the black lights.

In a matter of five seconds, the ordinary gym had transformed into a display of dancing neon glow sticks and strobe lights. As music blasted and lights flashed in the background, entrances of and a performance by the members of the Homecoming Court, poster-ripping entrances by fall sports athletes, a routine by the dance team and JROTC, attempts at half court shots, and more proved that the pep rally wasn’t encountered by a dull moment.

https://youtu.be/MVO_Bva07IU

As two quick hours after dismissal passed, NP’s courtyard closest to Crawford Stadium became the site for the pregame party, where students painted each other’s faces in blue and white, ate cheeseburgers and hotdogs, and played football, kanjam, and more. Students started heading down to the stadium to ensure a front row seat in the student section of the bleachers around 6:00pm, and the game got started an hour later.

As Jimmy Dooling and Emily Chapman announced each court member, while making his and her way across the football field during halftime, students applauded and cheered, and even rose at times, for each candidate. When Ben Hartranft and Victoria Braeunle were officially crowned as Homecoming King and Queen, the sheer excitement and joy illustrated by the student section was incredibly infectious. Endless chants were shouted throughout the game in order to encourage the football team, and with a score of 45-21, the Knights improved their record to 5-0.

The school spirit exemplified by the students and staff leading up to and during the much anticipated Homecoming Friday night football game exemplifies in every respect as to why I couldn’t be more proud to state that I’m a student from NPHS. Standing side by side with other face- painted, spirited students who share the same passion for cheering on their peers as they succeed was an exceptionally rewarding experience. While the main focus of the night was centered around who was crowned king and queen, it became clear that students genuinely enjoyed encouraging their peers involved in other activities that helped to shape such a memorable celebration.

Stemming from such inspirational behavior by the students lies the environment in which they are educated. Before, during, and after school hours, educators and staff members of NPHS are motivating students. I have no doubt in my mind that their efforts have helped shape the way students feel about the success of their school. From custodians to principals, any staff member can be supporting students on the sidelines.

Nights like the homecoming game make me honored to say that I’m a student from NPHS. If I find myself in a conversation regarding the topic, I would be more than happy to describe each detail that was planned and executed so carefully by the students and staff. Such hard work, dedication, and passion exhibited in NPHS is a universal expectation, because NPHS is capable of being the best. However, such ideals aren’t demonstrated in surrounding districts, which isn’t to say they don’t have outstanding educators, opportunities, support systems, activities, and so on. It simply means that the unique atmosphere of NPHS is absolutely impossible to encounter and recreate in another high school.