HoCo

Homecoming came a few weeks early this year. I'm not sure why, but I'd guess the football schedule was a factor. 

And apparently, Homecoming has now been reduced to HoCo, in high school circles. I still laugh a little when I hear that.

This is our youngest daughter's senior year, so I'm sure I'll be posting a few sentimental "last" events. In addition, to this being our last homecoming, Daughter was also chosen for the homecoming court.

At this point I should mention how we are appreciating the advantages of a small rural school. Academics may not be at the top of the list, but certainly the ability to participate in most of the activities is up there. As several locals have put it, a small school develops a more rounded and balanced student. 

I thought I would get a jump on the mum situation when I saw a rack of pre-made mums at an arts and crafts store several weeks before. (If you've never heard about this Texas phenomenom, here's our first attempt.) Apparently, seniors aren't limited to school colors. Many choose white, black, gold or silver as their main color. Daughter had decided this year she wanted a white and silver one, so when I saw one that fit the criteria, I decided we should buy it and avoid the stress of making one.

But after being chosen for the court, Daughter decided the mum needed embellishing. For some reason, we waited until the day before to work on it and had to make a last minute trip to the local mum supplier. Surprisingly a little sign and framing store is turned into a mum store for a couple months out of the year. Daughter worked several hours creating just the right look and seemed happy with the finished product. She wore it all day at school, pinned to her shirt.

Before the football game that Friday night, the eight (four boys, four girls) homecoming nominees were escorted by their parents across the football field where they lined up in front of the bleachers. The queen and king were announced and crowned. Daughter didn't win, but she was happy and felt it was an honor to be chosen for the court and to be involved in the activities.

The following morning all the town came out to watch the parade as it wound it's way from the high school to downtown. The King and Queen, along with the rest of the court in pairs were driven along in convertible cars, jeeps, or trucks. Daughter and her friend rode on a roof and waved to the crowds and threw candy to the children.

Here's the basic pre-made mum selling for about $40. Luckily I had a 40% off coupon.

A local sign and framing store becomes a mum store for a few weeks.

They had all types of mum supplies in all the local school colors.

Here's the embellished mum on the way to school.