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the glenview lantern | September 27, 2018 | 3
South homecoming filled with special message for all
Alexa Burnell
Freelance Reporter
The Glenbrook South
homecoming week, running
Sept. 17-22, was
filled with parties, parades,
football games,
float-building and fun.
But, for student council
leaders and school administers,
the real celebration
was about the message of
inclusivity the week sent
to each and every student,
assuring all that there is
something for everyone at
GBS.
Two years ago when
Josh Koo, assistant principal
of student activities,
came on board, he worked
alongside the student
council to devise a plan
that would de-emphasize
the need to have a date to
the homecoming dance.
Through his research, Koo
learned about My Boom
Tour, an organization
committed to bringing
back student involvement
in schools by creating the
types of events that kids
want to attend.
Koo was supported in
his idea by Student Council
President at the time,
Abby Grant, and the successful
addition of My
Boom Tour led to many
positive changes within
the first year.
“When I first came on
board, we saw an average
of only about 1,300-
1,400 students attend the
homecoming dance and
most of those students left
the dance within an hour
of being there,” Koo explained.
“We wanted to
make a change; something
that would make them stay
and view the evening as a
fun night out with friends,
regardless if they had a
date or not. I’m proud to
GBS float participants take part in the annual parade.
say that due to the change,
last year we had a recordbreaking
2,200 kids attend
the dance, and more
importantly, stay for the
length of the night.
“It was the single biggest
change we made,
and it motivated us to
rethink the entire week,
making it one about inclusivity
and excitement
for everyone – date or no
date.”
Now, taking the reins
and working alongside
Koo is current Student
Council President Kate
Gregory. She said the
change from last year
spilled over into planning
for this year, bringing
brand new energy and a
shared desire among all to
make the week festive for
each student.
“We worked very hard,
even over the summer,
developing a week of
activities that would motivate
everyone to attend
Homecoming,” Gregory
said. “Each day, was a
new theme – 80’s day,
90’s day, you name it.
Then, after school, float
-construction parties were
held, adding to the excitement.
“Each opportunity
meant another way for
students to become involved,
make new friends,
and feel like they belong
at GBS. We even created
some friendly banner-making
competitions
among various clubs, so
that members could show
and share their club pride.
I truly hope that everyone
felt they had a place this
week, made new friends,
learned about new opportunities
at GBS and most
of all, had a memorable
time.”
As an added incentive,
student council and
school administrators invited
Boom Tour to attend
the Thursday pep rally,
giving kids who were still
on the fence about attending
Saturday night’s big
dance one last opportunity
to see what they would
miss.
The week of excitement
made it difficult for students
to stay away, resulting
in an impressive attendance
and putting a smile
on the face of Koo.
Participants of the Game Over float walk in the Glenbrook South homecoming parade
on Saturday, Sept. 22, in Glenview. Photos by Scott Margolin/22nd Century Media
“Homecoming is a great
on-ramp for kids,” Koo
said. “It’s easy to get involved,
and it also allows
our students the opportunity
to meet new friends
learn a new club and most
importantly, feel that they
belong at GBS and discover
the many opportunities
that are available
within the school.”
The week of excitement
was also enhanced by the
announcement of the following
good news: the
GBS football team won
over Niles North 41-0.
Kate Gregory was selected
at Homecoming Queen
and her court included
freshman Grace Mihm,
sophomore Megan Butler,
junior Emmy Galante and
senior Eliza Schloss. The
juniors were the float winners
while UNIDOS won
the banner competition.
The Guidance Department
was dressed with
most spirit.
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