Bonfire lights up the night

While a number of homecoming events change with each new class at Green River High School, one event that remains is the annual homecoming bonfire.

Each year, students gather at the GRHS parking lot to witness a huge flame supervised by both the Green River Fire Department and faculty from the high school.

"You got to show support for your school," Hannah Braithwaite, a freshman, said.

Others voiced similar opinions about homecoming with a few saying it helps bring students together.

"It's a lot of fun; and it brings everyone a lot closer," junior Ashlyn Edwards said.

While many students said homecoming is a place to have fun or support the high school's sports teams, especially football, homecoming is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as a "special occasion to a place formerly frequented or regarded as home." Both high schools and universities throw homecoming celebrations, often to welcome back former students.

For assistant principal Dennis Freeman, homecoming takes on a more expanded meaning beyond alumni celebrations however.

"It's a way to pass on the traditions of school and honor alumni," he said. "I hope it means a winning football game."