Don’t be surprised next week when you see a lot of people wearing pink or pushing shopping carts because that’s all part of this year’s homecoming spirit week. 

That’s one of the many activities student government has planned for this year’s Homecoming, which will end with a “Night on the Red Carpet.”

“What I am most excited for is the spirit week and the dance. I want to see students engage with what we have for the week and dress up for the dance and have fun,” Student Government President Jamaelyn Sanders, a junior,  said.

Spirit week themes this year are: 

• Monday – BBQ Dad vs Soccer Mom
• Tuesday – Anything but a Backpack Day (nothing living or that can be used as a weapon)
• Wednesday – Barbie vs Bratz Day
• Thursday – Throwback Day
• Friday Class Colors (S – Black, J – Purple, So – Grey, F – White)

“What I would say is if you have someone or know someone who is also doing spirit week, dress up with them and have fun taking pictures. The little things you do for the schools helps with the school spirit week,” Sanders said.

The parade will be on Thursday and start at 5:30 p.m. in the visitor parking lot, go out down 68th Street around Dairy Queen on Broadway and then back in at the Merrillville High School sign and back to the visitor parking lot where it started. 

At the end of the parade, there will be a pretzel fundraiser for Student Government and a Kona Ice Truck, so don’t forget to bring some cash.

At the Pep Rally on Friday, you’ll meet the senior football players and see an amazing performance from the cheer and dance team. So be sure to wear your class colors and be ready for some friendly class competition. 

The game against LaPorte starts at 7 p.m. Mr. Football and the Homecoming Queen will be announced at halftime.

The location of the dance depends on the number of students who buy tickets. If not as many people buy tickets the dance will be held in the freshmen cafeteria, but if more people buy tickets it will be in the Hall of Flags, as in past years.

Tuesday is the final day to buy tickets for the dance, which will be run from 6-9 p.m., and there will be appetizers as snacks. A DJ will provide entertainment, and students will have access to a 360 photo booth.

“What I think would make the dance special is the decorations and everyone dressing up like they’re actually at a red carpet – with sparkles suits and dresses,” Sanders said. “I just want the atmosphere to be a good vibe, which would make the whole night special, not just for me, but for everyone else that’s going.”