Homecoming: Rich Past, Awesome Present, Hope for the Future

This weekend I was with my husband and parents for a holiday weekend getaway on the Missouri riverfront.  A total stranger joined our table for breakfast and began talking about the richness of the Midwest and the beauty of the Sandhills of Nebraska.  I watched my mother's face light up as shared a little bit about her memory and experience growing up in the Sandhills.  For my mother, being from the Sandhills is a point of deep pride. While some may consider it a somewhat isolated place to live, she can see how her background and experience is part of her strength and shaped part of her life.   

While I was born and raised in Nebraska,  I have grown fond of Southwest Iowa and find Shenandoah is a great place to be.  It is a place Don and I have called home the past three years.  I have learned a lot about the community culture, pride, and values during this time and have met some pretty incredible people who have contributed to building a healthy community and strong school system.  Some have lived here a lifetime and others are transplants like me, but they are proud to be part of  "Shen" and are strong supporters of the Mustangs and Fillies.  They believe in the spirit of Shenandoah and understand the foundation of how it was built.

My reflection about this weekend led me to think about homecoming which is coming soon.  Homecoming is such a heartwarming and thoughtful tradition. The tradition of Homecoming is one of welcoming back alumni and celebrating community. It is meant to demonstrate a school's culture and pride. In part, it is a statement that where we come from is important and should be valued. Homecoming is about the richness of the past, the awesomeness of the present day, and the hope for the future, so please consider this your invitation from me to join us in celebrating homecoming starting Sunday, September 23rd through Friday, September 28th.  It is going to be a great week of exciting activities you will not want to miss.

Sunday, September 23rd there will be a Color Run/Walk at 5:00 PM.  It will be followed by a grill out and a powderpuff football game.  Monday evening there will be a pep rally at 7:00 PM. The parade will march through downtown Friday at 2:30 PM.  The Mustangs will wrap it up with a football game against Red Oak at 7:00 PM Friday evening.  You can find related information at www.shencsd.com or by contacting the Aaron Burdorf the High School Activities Director at burdorfa@shencsd.com .