By Abby Pan
Staff Writer
Homecoming
Applause erupted in the stadium with the announcement of Isabel Xu as the 2023 Homecoming Queen during the Homecoming football game on Oct. 6, followed by a display of fireworks. The game concluded with a score of 27-34 against the Hoover Tornadoes.
Students submitted Homecoming nominations through the 5-Star app with the court reveal on Sept. 25, consisting of Kaylee Eiber, Malia Teets, Kaylee Won, Isabel Xu and Julia Yamasaki.
Lunchtime activities with the court followed the next week. The Homecoming rally on Oct. 6 featured the princesses and their escorts participating in activities such as a catwalk and portrait drawings.
1920s Coney Island inspired ASB’s Homecoming dance “Worth the Wait” on Oct. 7, featuring decorations on campus such as festive colored flags and balloons.Attendees participated in activities set on and around the senior circle including caricatures, ring toss and darts. 601 provided karaoke and a photo booth while others danced outside in the quad.
The Coney Island theme extended to the night’s refreshments which included hot dogs and veggie dogs with condiments and a toppings bar along with popcorn, cotton candy, floats and slushies.
Peer Listeners
Prospective Peer Listeners submitted applications by Sept. 22 with interview dates on Oct. 18, 19 and 23.
After passing the interview, students become trainees for a year. To be officially redshirted as a Peer Listener, trainees need to pass an oral test with a facilitator.
Peer Listeners help aid students through grief and emotional obstacles through active listening and learning to read body language.
Advised by Deana Ho, Susan Hook, Carmen Rey and Emma Zamora, Peers meet every Wednesday after school.
Students who would like to meet with a Peer can sign up via a red mailbox in the counselor’s or admin’s office. Peer Listeners look to open the mailboxes by Oct. 17.
School Renovations
Renovations in 601 included repainted walls and resurfaced floors. For better use of backstage space, portable dressing rooms replaced old dressing rooms to allow for more versatility.
Renovations to the stadium are set to begin after the graduation ceremony for the class of 2024 and should conclude in time for the class of 2025’s ceremony.
The improvements to the track bring it into compliance with CIF regulations which will allow TCHS to host league meets for track and field. Changes around the stadium involve repositioning the snack bar closer towards the baseball and softball fields, along with installing new lockers.
Additional updates include installing new bleachers and moving the announcer’s box to the top of the bleachers.
Changes on the field involve the installation of a rubber track and turf field to better accommodate weather conditions. During construction, athletes will practice and compete at other schools.