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Homecoming Provides Valuable Service To Crofton
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| It’s Homecoming Week at Crofton High School, celebrating the theme “The Warrior Way” with community service projects instead of the traditional parade. The leaders of the effort include students and advisors (from left) Ben Hegge, teacher Justin Bossman, Megan Koch, Jazmin Wubben, Tara Schieffer, Alyssa Pavlik, principal Todd Strom and Emma Tramp. RANDY DOCKENDORF/P&D |
BY RANDY DOCKENDORF
randy.dockendorf@yankton.net
CROFTON, Neb. — Crofton High School students are hitting the streets today (Friday) to celebrate homecoming, but you won’t find them following a parade route.
In a change from tradition, Crofton has dropped its homecoming parade this year. Instead of spending this morning working on floats, CHS students and staff will perform service projects in Crofton and Yankton.
Today’s events will continue offering the afternoon pep rally and tonight’s tailgate party, football game, coronation, marching band performance and student dance. In lieu of serving as parade marshal, retired teacher Kim Sawatzke will be honored during the pep rally and at halftime of the game.
The parade had declined in recent years, and the time seemed right to replace it for at least a year, Principal Todd Strom said.
“Things changed a great deal when the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) took over football scheduling and placed all games on Friday nights,” he said. “We used to play our homecoming games on Saturday. People were able to come to the parade. Now, the parades are on Friday, and most people need to take off from work to see them.”
Strom proposed the change to community service projects in a meeting with the faculty and student council.
“There was a sense that they wanted to try something different. But they still wanted to make homecoming week fun and spirit-filled,” he said.
“We wanted to do something worthwhile and useful for the school and give the kids a sense of pride and accomplishment. Once we discussed community service projects, the kids were flying out ideas.”
CHS senior Tara Schieffer, a queen candidate, admitted the idea initially drew reluctance and uncertainty from students and the community.
“We were looking forward to the floats our senior year,” she said. “But we are now looking at (the projects) as a good thing, helping other people. We are going to have fun with it.”
The seventh graders will clean up a creek within the city limits, while eighth graders will bake cookies at the school and deliver them to Cottonwood Villa residents.
The freshmen will remove debris, paint trash cans in both Crofton parks and conduct a canned food drive for the Contact Center in Yankton. The sophomores will clean up litter embedded in tree lines around the softball and football complex, along with detailing student transportation vehicles.
The juniors will assist in meal preparation and provide music and games at the Crofton Senior Center. The seniors will paint Crofton city fire hydrants and provide games, entertainment and manicures to Yankton Care Center residents.
In addition, the football team will remove an old, unsafe gym structure from the elementary playground. Team members will also read to elementary students.
Schieffer volunteered as one of the dozen members of her class to visit the Yankton Care Center. “I thought it would be a lot of fun to help older people. It will be a good experience,” she said.
Change is nothing new for Crofton homecoming, Schieffer said. The royalty were formerly crowned early in the week, but the full school calendar has moved the coronation to after the game.
Regardless of its form, homecoming will remain a major fall celebration, Schieffer said. “We are a very tight-knit community, and we are going to have a lot of fun with this,” she said.
Emma Tramp, also a senior and queen candidate, said the service projects could gain momentum if successful this homecoming.
“Change is always hard for small communities, especially when you are talking about a long tradition and something as big as homecoming,” she said. “But I think people are realizing that this will do somebody good.”
Townspeople are already showing enthusiasm for the projects, Tramp said. “I think a lot of people are really pumped. People are doing their own thing and are in good spirits,” she said.
The homecoming change has already benefited the football team, said sophomore player Ben Hegge.
“The football coach likes us to stay focused on the game, so we didn’t get too involved with the float building,” he said. “Now, we are spending the morning together, taking down a jungle gym at the elementary school. We’re promoting team unity.”
The service projects take the team beyond tonight’s game, Hegge said. “It’s fun and a good place to get involved. And it helps the community more than building floats that you trash,” he said.
After completing her service project in the morning, freshman student council member Jazmin Wubben will compete at a cross-country meet at O’Neill, Neb., then return to Crofton for the football game and role as homecoming attendant.
“Not everyone agreed with (the projects) at first, but people are now excited. I think it will pick up (in the future),” she said.
Three faculty members said they already see the positive changes.
“The parade had seen better days,” said junior sponsor Justin Bossman. “This is my 19th year (at Crofton), and I’m excited to see something new. I think there will be a lot more community spirit generated.”
CHS students already raise money and work on projects for national organizations, said eighth grade sponsor Peg Anderson.
“But this (homecoming) is a different program. The results are seen at home,” she said. “The last couple of days, people from the community were coming up with project ideas.”
Mary Fillaus, senior class sponsor, said the students will benefit in the long run from the projects.
“They are doing something beyond themselves,” she said. “They are building their self-esteem. By giving to others, they are getting so much more in return.”
As the CHS administrative assistant, Jennifer Wubben paid the bills for the floats. She believes the service projects offer a much better investment of time, money and talent.
“You hear the students converse among themselves, encouraging each other and talking about what they envision,” she said.
Wubben sees the service projects as thanking the school’s boosters.
“The people and businesses of Crofton and the surrounding area support our students in so many ways,” she said. “They participate in the fundraisers and sponsor so many of our events besides just the time of coming to watch the kids’ activities. This is a great way for the students to show their appreciation.”
In a change from tradition, Crofton has dropped its homecoming parade this year. Instead of spending this morning working on floats, CHS students and staff will perform service projects in Crofton and Yankton.
Today’s events will continue offering the afternoon pep rally and tonight’s tailgate party, football game, coronation, marching band performance and student dance. In lieu of serving as parade marshal, retired teacher Kim Sawatzke will be honored during the pep rally and at halftime of the game.
The parade had declined in recent years, and the time seemed right to replace it for at least a year, Principal Todd Strom said.
“Things changed a great deal when the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) took over football scheduling and placed all games on Friday nights,” he said. “We used to play our homecoming games on Saturday. People were able to come to the parade. Now, the parades are on Friday, and most people need to take off from work to see them.”
Strom proposed the change to community service projects in a meeting with the faculty and student council.
“There was a sense that they wanted to try something different. But they still wanted to make homecoming week fun and spirit-filled,” he said.
“We wanted to do something worthwhile and useful for the school and give the kids a sense of pride and accomplishment. Once we discussed community service projects, the kids were flying out ideas.”
CHS senior Tara Schieffer, a queen candidate, admitted the idea initially drew reluctance and uncertainty from students and the community.
“We were looking forward to the floats our senior year,” she said. “But we are now looking at (the projects) as a good thing, helping other people. We are going to have fun with it.”
The seventh graders will clean up a creek within the city limits, while eighth graders will bake cookies at the school and deliver them to Cottonwood Villa residents.
The freshmen will remove debris, paint trash cans in both Crofton parks and conduct a canned food drive for the Contact Center in Yankton. The sophomores will clean up litter embedded in tree lines around the softball and football complex, along with detailing student transportation vehicles.
The juniors will assist in meal preparation and provide music and games at the Crofton Senior Center. The seniors will paint Crofton city fire hydrants and provide games, entertainment and manicures to Yankton Care Center residents.
In addition, the football team will remove an old, unsafe gym structure from the elementary playground. Team members will also read to elementary students.
Schieffer volunteered as one of the dozen members of her class to visit the Yankton Care Center. “I thought it would be a lot of fun to help older people. It will be a good experience,” she said.
Change is nothing new for Crofton homecoming, Schieffer said. The royalty were formerly crowned early in the week, but the full school calendar has moved the coronation to after the game.
Regardless of its form, homecoming will remain a major fall celebration, Schieffer said. “We are a very tight-knit community, and we are going to have a lot of fun with this,” she said.
Emma Tramp, also a senior and queen candidate, said the service projects could gain momentum if successful this homecoming.
“Change is always hard for small communities, especially when you are talking about a long tradition and something as big as homecoming,” she said. “But I think people are realizing that this will do somebody good.”
Townspeople are already showing enthusiasm for the projects, Tramp said. “I think a lot of people are really pumped. People are doing their own thing and are in good spirits,” she said.
The homecoming change has already benefited the football team, said sophomore player Ben Hegge.
“The football coach likes us to stay focused on the game, so we didn’t get too involved with the float building,” he said. “Now, we are spending the morning together, taking down a jungle gym at the elementary school. We’re promoting team unity.”
The service projects take the team beyond tonight’s game, Hegge said. “It’s fun and a good place to get involved. And it helps the community more than building floats that you trash,” he said.
After completing her service project in the morning, freshman student council member Jazmin Wubben will compete at a cross-country meet at O’Neill, Neb., then return to Crofton for the football game and role as homecoming attendant.
“Not everyone agreed with (the projects) at first, but people are now excited. I think it will pick up (in the future),” she said.
Three faculty members said they already see the positive changes.
“The parade had seen better days,” said junior sponsor Justin Bossman. “This is my 19th year (at Crofton), and I’m excited to see something new. I think there will be a lot more community spirit generated.”
CHS students already raise money and work on projects for national organizations, said eighth grade sponsor Peg Anderson.
“But this (homecoming) is a different program. The results are seen at home,” she said. “The last couple of days, people from the community were coming up with project ideas.”
Mary Fillaus, senior class sponsor, said the students will benefit in the long run from the projects.
“They are doing something beyond themselves,” she said. “They are building their self-esteem. By giving to others, they are getting so much more in return.”
As the CHS administrative assistant, Jennifer Wubben paid the bills for the floats. She believes the service projects offer a much better investment of time, money and talent.
“You hear the students converse among themselves, encouraging each other and talking about what they envision,” she said.
Wubben sees the service projects as thanking the school’s boosters.
“The people and businesses of Crofton and the surrounding area support our students in so many ways,” she said. “They participate in the fundraisers and sponsor so many of our events besides just the time of coming to watch the kids’ activities. This is a great way for the students to show their appreciation.”
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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of yankton.net.
No2CoF wrote on Sep 17, 2010 4:16 PM:
" Ter2411 is right!
While community service projects are certainly a noble thing, the article certainly puts a positive spin on some VERY unpopular changes that have been taking place in Crofton the last few years. The loss of the homecoming parade being just one.
The kids in this article are putting on their best face, but as I understand it, they had NO CHOICE. It was literally this or nothing… so they are making the most out of it. Who can blame them?
The most frustrating part about this is that several parents groups and even the Crofton Community Club has approached administration about bring back the parade to the downtown and organizing a more traditional celebration, even volunteering to chaperone float building and such in an effort to relieve the teachers of some of that extra work. Sadly administration WON’T EVEN DISCUSS IT… going so far as to play one group off against the other.
I couldn’t help but to watch Yankton’s parade today (since Crofton’s doesn’t have one) and see all the young faces and school spirit and feel sorry that Crofton’s kids won’t get the same opportunity.
I hope the Crofton School Administration gets the message and brings back this decidedly American tradition. "
While community service projects are certainly a noble thing, the article certainly puts a positive spin on some VERY unpopular changes that have been taking place in Crofton the last few years. The loss of the homecoming parade being just one.
The kids in this article are putting on their best face, but as I understand it, they had NO CHOICE. It was literally this or nothing… so they are making the most out of it. Who can blame them?
The most frustrating part about this is that several parents groups and even the Crofton Community Club has approached administration about bring back the parade to the downtown and organizing a more traditional celebration, even volunteering to chaperone float building and such in an effort to relieve the teachers of some of that extra work. Sadly administration WON’T EVEN DISCUSS IT… going so far as to play one group off against the other.
I couldn’t help but to watch Yankton’s parade today (since Crofton’s doesn’t have one) and see all the young faces and school spirit and feel sorry that Crofton’s kids won’t get the same opportunity.
I hope the Crofton School Administration gets the message and brings back this decidedly American tradition. "
Alum03 wrote on Sep 17, 2010 4:47 PM:
" Having experienced a true Crofton Homecoming with the coronation, skits, pep rally, parade, game and dance...I feel sad for the current students of CHS.
This story doesn't even touch on the unanswered questions. Questions I'd like to see answered by the faculty and administration of CHS. Why was coronation canceled? Why was the parade moved from downtown to the football field a few years back? Why has the community been slowly pushed out of this celebration? WHERE'S THE SCHOOL SPIRIT! "
This story doesn't even touch on the unanswered questions. Questions I'd like to see answered by the faculty and administration of CHS. Why was coronation canceled? Why was the parade moved from downtown to the football field a few years back? Why has the community been slowly pushed out of this celebration? WHERE'S THE SCHOOL SPIRIT! "
85warrior wrote on Sep 17, 2010 5:09 PM:
" My daughter participated in today's events in Crofton and felt the homecoming spirit was alive and well. Her group was thanked personally by the mayor for painting the park trash cans and fire hydrants. The cheerleaders and band did a great job at the pep rally we attended. The faculty was upbeat and working side by side with the students today. I see the faculty very willing to work with students on such projects. Some of us tried to supervise float building outside of school time a few years ago, it is very difficult to organize the schedules of all the kids. School Spirit is very evident and I hope as role models we portray that to our students. Go Warriors! "
ter2411 wrote on Sep 17, 2010 10:43 PM:
" There are many unanswered questions, why did no one know when homecoming was until it was the week of? It wasn't even on the School calendar!!! they said there was no night open for cornation? What was wrong with Monday night the 13th? they had a JV football game which I am sure could of been reschedule, just like the Cedar Catholic game was due to field conflict! Or was it something else? In years past it worked, are we that busy to lose the meaning of Homecoming. If you are upset write a letter to the editor, school board member & let our voices heard. Oh did you know the board members were totally unaware of the changes in homecoming!! No the students had no say in homecoming it was told this is what is and thats that!! The community club has been very anxious to take back homecoming, but the school wants nothing to do with!! Who pays their wages? last time I noticed I paid my taxes ! Let your vocies be heard!! "
Aleanor wrote on Sep 19, 2010 11:37 AM:
" Having just celebrated 40 years since graduating from CHS, guess what some of our main special memories about our class of CHS were? You got it...Homecoming skits and floats! That said, it is admirable that the faculty wanted to instill a sense of community service to the students. Plus we all know it is a lot more work for faculty to organize students to produce a float or skit than to bake cookies or walk a creek bed. Did anyone think about how special it is for community members to watch the Homecoming parade downtown? Did anyone think how the older people in town enjoy attending coronation, the parade and the game to see the towns youth displaying school spirit? Homecoming parades, coronation and the big game are a lot more than just giving the students a sense of community...it is a chance to let the community join in with the students and relive their own Homecoming days. Isn't that what Homecoming is all about?
It is sad that administration thinks baking cookies and doing service projects in Yankton (out of town and out of state) can replace creating specials events for the whole community of Crofton to participate in. "
It is sad that administration thinks baking cookies and doing service projects in Yankton (out of town and out of state) can replace creating specials events for the whole community of Crofton to participate in. "
NebLib10 wrote on Sep 20, 2010 5:56 PM:
" I am, or should I say was, a Crofton resident before this tragedy unfolded. When I learned CHS was cancelling homecoming, I cut my hair, aborted my unborn fetus, and moved to Yankton. I can't imagine raising a child in such a preverse place as Crofton that sacrifices meaningless tradition for "community service!!!!"
I also want to thank the P&D for creating this forum in which I can anonymously post my thoughts without fear of retaliation from the Facist Administration of Crofton School District, whom I account as solely responsible for this FIASCO. I swear this is part of Obama's plan to indoctrinate our children!!!! BEWARE! "
I also want to thank the P&D for creating this forum in which I can anonymously post my thoughts without fear of retaliation from the Facist Administration of Crofton School District, whom I account as solely responsible for this FIASCO. I swear this is part of Obama's plan to indoctrinate our children!!!! BEWARE! "
Boston76 wrote on Sep 22, 2010 12:50 AM:
" This is the first time in many years I was able to attend the Crofton Homecoming festivities, as I have recently moved back to the area. I was a little surprised of the changes that have transpired since the "good ol' days." However I kept an open mind and enjoyed the events of the night.
Growing up in Crofton, Coronation was a grand event! People of all ages gathered together with team spirit to rally the team, watch as the royalty marched down the middle of the court, and laugh about the class skits! Come rain or shine, Saturday was always the parade. Classes worked hard on the floats that drove down Main Street but the highlight was always Bob Leader dressed as "The Warrior" riding his appaloosa horse.
Traditions have change. And change is always hard! What concerns me the most is what are young kids are learning from all the outrage. As adults aren't we suppose to be role models for our children? How is the bickering, slander, demand for people to lose their jobs, and many other irrational statements beneficial to the youth of Crofton? Can't we be adults and come to some sort of compromise?
With any major change, there is always room for improvements. I am sure there will be changes made to improve next year’s Homecoming Festivities. There are also many improvements to be made in how we communicate and handle this situation! Good sportsmanship, team spirit, and respect are all values I associate with CHS. Let’s keep it that way!
BTW…hat’s off to the CHS students for their hard work on the improvements throughout town! Way to go Warriors! "
Growing up in Crofton, Coronation was a grand event! People of all ages gathered together with team spirit to rally the team, watch as the royalty marched down the middle of the court, and laugh about the class skits! Come rain or shine, Saturday was always the parade. Classes worked hard on the floats that drove down Main Street but the highlight was always Bob Leader dressed as "The Warrior" riding his appaloosa horse.
Traditions have change. And change is always hard! What concerns me the most is what are young kids are learning from all the outrage. As adults aren't we suppose to be role models for our children? How is the bickering, slander, demand for people to lose their jobs, and many other irrational statements beneficial to the youth of Crofton? Can't we be adults and come to some sort of compromise?
With any major change, there is always room for improvements. I am sure there will be changes made to improve next year’s Homecoming Festivities. There are also many improvements to be made in how we communicate and handle this situation! Good sportsmanship, team spirit, and respect are all values I associate with CHS. Let’s keep it that way!
BTW…hat’s off to the CHS students for their hard work on the improvements throughout town! Way to go Warriors! "
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ter2411 wrote on Sep 17, 2010 12:08 PM: