PORT ANGELES — The Port Angeles High School plans a week of homecoming capped by a homecoming dance.
“Our staff is making sure we can provide a safe and good time for our students while working with health and safety guidelines from the health department,” said Principal Tanner Zahrt.
“Traditions are important,” he said.
The homecoming dance was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Oct. 1, 2020, case rates were 24 per 100,000 population in Clallam County.
As of Sept. 24, they were 1,021 per 100,000 population.
“It’s time for all students, staff, families, and alumni to come together to celebrate the history, traditions, and spirit of Port Angeles High School (PAHS),” according to a press release issued by Port Angeles High District.
“Due to the pandemic, last year’s homecoming events were canceled, but staff and students are excited to bring back the tradition this year.”
Homecoming events begin Monday and will culminate with a homecoming dance on Saturday at the high school at 304 E. Park Ave., from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
All events will be conducted in accordance with health and safety guidelines, the press release said.
The homecoming dance will be outside in a large tent donated by the 7 Cedars Casino. Students and staff volunteers must wear masks and adhere to health and safety guidelines.
Sophomore Yau Fu was quoted in the release as saying, “I am so thankful that students get a dance. The pandemic has ruined everyone’s high school experience, and I’m hoping this can bring everyone together.”
Each day of the week will have a theme.
They are:
• Monday — Surfer vs. Biker Theme, with a Buff Puff Game, 6:30 p.m. in the main gym. The cost is a can of food for a food drive.
• Tuesday — Favorite Holiday Theme.
• Wednesday — Class Color Day with a Capture the Flag Competition during the advisory period and Ultimate Frisbee and Tug of War at Elks Playfield at 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday — Class Theme Day with a Capture the Flag Championship during the advisory period. The food drive ends and canned goods are delivered to Port Angeles Food Bank.
• Friday — Green and White Day with a Homecoming assembly, parade, and varsity football game.
The parade will begin at 5:15 p.m., at the Clallam County Courthouse parking lot on South Peabody Street.
The course will travel along East Fifth Street, take a left onto South Frances Street, a right on East Fourth Street, another left on South Race Street, and end at Civic Field.
The Homecoming football game will begin at 6:30 p.m. when the Riders will take on North Mason at Civic Field.
Freshman Sarah Munoz was quoted in the release as saying, “I am looking forward to the Holiday Spirit Day the most because holidays bring people so much joy. It’s exactly what we need coming back to school with the chaos of the pandemic surrounding us.”
To learn more about this year’s homecoming events, see https://tinyurl.com/PAHSHOCO21
