When one considers the concept of “homecoming,” one often forgets the true meaning: coming back home to celebrate the most treasured time of one’s life. Isn’t it funny that of all the things we as a society celebrate, such as births, weddings, birthdays, retirements, it’s coming back to our high school that gets termed homecoming? There is a simple answer: no time in our lives is like our four years of high school. Those of us who take full advantage of the opportunities high school presents to us have no choice but to call it our “home.”
The faculty and staff of Brick Memorial High School are so proud that our students, present and past, consider these halls, classrooms, the gym, the auditorium their home. That’s what this weekend is truly all about. Homecoming 2021 seemed even more special for obvious reasons. At the conclusion of the beautiful (referring to both the execution and the weather) outside Homecoming Dance, our principal Mr. Barresi was heard yelling “the dance is back!” And that’s exactly the sentiment felt by all. Thanks to Ms. Stansbury, her crew of Student Government Members, and the handful of chaperones that came to help, this Homecoming Dance was more than just a time for students to dress up and cut loose. It was a celebration of our school, our community, our home.
Our Homecoming football game, which brought together Mustangs from the present with those from the past, followed the Thursday night festivities! Mustangs from various graduating classes joined to watch our football team go head-to-head with our visitors from Marlboro. Though the end was not the one we might have hoped for, the sentiment and the importance of the night were there the entire time. We were there to celebrate the years we spend and dedicate ourselves to being Mustangs, which means being part of a community. Among the cheers of the crowd during the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen (congratulations to seniors Ryan Smith & Anastacia Diaz), and throughout the game (especially during the exciting nail-biter of a 4th quarter), one could hear reminiscing, the sharing of stories, and the outpouring of love all our faculty, staff, students, and alumni have for this place we call home.
Before we know it, we will be experiencing the madness of the holidays, the coldness of February, the lightness of Spring, and the excitement of June. But let’s spend this time remembering that we have so much to be thankful for, especially the fact that we are Mustangs, and we have Brick Memorial High School to call our second home. Those who walk these halls are always welcome back, for homecoming doesn’t have to be an assigned weekend for a dance and football game. Homecoming can be anytime we remember the four best years of our lives! Once a Mustang, Always a Mustang!
All of those involved with planning Homecoming would like to give a special thanks to Pine Belt Chevrolet for providing us with vehicles that presented our Homecoming Court in such terrific style! Thanks for adding such a cool element to our ceremony!
