HOMECOMING GOES VIRAL
Pandemic or not, homecoming seeks a sense of the normal
POTTSTOWN » Add homecoming celebrations to the list of things the coronavirus pandemic has turned on its head.
With masks hiding smiles, social distancing stretching the sense of togetherness and a sparse-if-any cheering crowd across southeastern Pennsylvania homecoming celebrations, if they’ve happened at all, have been like nothing we’ve ever seen before — and hopefully, won’t see again.
Just ask John Armato, the Pottstown School District’s director of community relations and a person who has attended every single Pottstown High School Homecoming since he first joined the district in the 1969-1970 school year.
So we did ask him.
Armato acknowledged the things that were quite obviously different in this year’s celebration, held on the evening of Friday, Nov. 20.
First off, “there was no football game. This was an entirely standalone event, along with senior recognition night for the band, which had an opportunity to perform, the cross country team and homecoming,” he explained.
There was no parade around the track — not a single person in the visitor stands and, in the home stands, only two guests allowed per band member and cross country team; and four guests per member of the homecoming court.
And of course, the masks. “Facial expressions are a powerful communications tool, and seeing kids smile; seeing their parents smile, that’s important,” he said.
“In some ways, the asterisk next to their names will be unique. Years from now, when they’re showing the pictures of homecoming to their grandchildren and get asked ‘why are you wearing a mask?’ it will make for an interesting story,” said Armato.
But ultimately, what struck Armato besides all the differences were all the things that were not different at all.
“There was that same sense of excitement I’ve seen every year, that same sense of surprise and joy when the king and queen were announced,” he said. “The seniors were able to celebrate their cumulative contribution to a legacy of four years at the school.”
The members of the Homecoming Court were Julianna Figueroa, Zoe Earle, Haley Haas, Carson Hewitt, Kaelyn Draucker, Heaven Charriez, Kishan Patel, Jahzeel Watson, Darius Smallwood, Christian Albert, Vincenzo DeLeo, and Dylan Murphy.
Christian Albert was chosen as the Homecoming King.
He is class president, runs track and cross country, is on the basketball team and is also a member of DECA. Albert plans to attend Gwynedd Mercy after graduation where he will major in business and continue running in track and cross country.
Carson Hewitt was chosen as the Homecoming Queen.
She plays soccer and is vice president of the Class of 2021. Hewitt plans to attend college to study psychology or education and has been accepted to Widener University.
And, just like every year before, last year’s king and queen, John Stilwell and Emme Wolfel, returned to pass their crowns on to the year’s royalty.
Armato gave a lot of credit to Pottstown High School Principal Danielle McCoy, herself a Pottstown High School graduate, who ensured the event would comply with pandemic safety protocols.
“She was very determined that the students would able to do the same things other classes did and not be denied that opportunity because of the medical emergency we find ourselves in now,” he said.
“Everyone had a lot of fun and in the end,” Armato said, “the spirit of the people there couldn’t be denied.”