Marauder’s Mission Complete

The Return of Homecoming Week

Photo by Antonia Nowels / Maclay Andalusian

During the week of Oct. 6-11, Maclay students came together to celebrate an exciting week of homecoming. This year's theme, “Mission to Maclay,” made the week feel cosmic with themed dress-down days and exciting games.

Monday’s “Cosmically Comfy” day let students relax in pajamas. The annual Homecoming Key Hunt also began, prompting students to search for a sparkly blue key hidden somewhere outside campus buildings. With a reward of $50 in Tru Bru Store Credit, five freshmen took home the win: Anna Abbott, Bleakly Shettle, Fern Lieberich, Lily Strickland and Penelope Fleury. The key was ultimately found on Wednesday, Oct. 8 under a windowsill outside of the engineering building. 

“We were not expecting to actually find the key,” Shettle said. “We just wanted to have fun so it was a surprise when we did find it, and we were happy.”

On Tuesday, the theme “Stars Among Us” encouraged people to dress as influential figures from real life. Wednesday’s “Solar System Color War” assigned each grade a space-themed color and featured the Powderpuff game, where seniors took the win. That day also included exciting break games such as Student Council’s Star Trivia and a Brain Bowl teacher vs. student match, with faculty ultimately taking the win.

“My favorite day was pj day,” junior Karina Ledesma said. “It was comfortable and I love how it allows students to express school spirit in a comfortable and relaxed way.”

Thursday’s “Aliens and Astronauts” had students either choosing one side or opting to dress up as characters from popular scientific fiction movies such as Star Wars and Guardians of the Galaxy. Finally, Friday wrapped up the week with Blue and White Spirit Day and a shortened class schedule that included karaoke during Community Time. The day also featured the annual parade, showcasing clubs, alumni, cheerleaders, the football team and the Homecoming Court. It was followed by the pep rally, where fall sports teams were recognized and games such as musical chairs kept the crowd energized. 

“I liked the pep rally,” Ledesma said. “It was fun having the whole school come together and to watch people perform and celebrate.”

That evening, the Maclay Marauders faced the Chambers Academy Rebels from Lafayette, Alabama for the Homecoming Football Game. During halftime, Maclay’s Homecoming Court was presented, and Tyson Willett and Molly McDonald were crowned Homecoming King and Queen. The Marauders ultimately took home the win with a 38-28 victory.

“I was extremely grateful to be chosen to be on court in the first place,” senior McDonald said. “So when I won [queen] I was so grateful to be standing up there with my friends and having my family in the audience watching and cheering. Especially since my friend Gray was able to crown me! [To celebrate] I had a Chick-fil-A milkshake waiting for me at home.”

The week concluded with one last celebration on Saturday night at the Homecoming Dance in Cartee Gym, ending the “Mission to Maclay” week with lots of school spirit and memories.