GreatNews.Life Student Voices: The countdown to homecoming at Merrillville; celebrating school spirit and tradition
What’s recently happened?
The start of the homecoming season has approached quickly, and it begins with the selection of the homecoming court. For the 2025-2026 school year, the candidates running for homecoming queen at Merrillville High School are Noelle Elenz, Olivia Hill, Saniya Lipscomb, Anette Prieto, and Londyn Pulphus. Homecoming is the highlight of the first trimester here at Merrillville High School (MHS) as it initiates the school’s intense amount of school spirit for the school year.
“I was honestly so excited and honored to be chosen for the court this year. Being chosen feels like a huge compliment, and I’m really grateful that people thought of me in this way,” Hill said. “This year’s homecoming season feels extra special to me. There’s just so much energy and excitement in the air, and it’s something you can feel in the hallways, at games, and during all the events leading up to the big day.”
Homecoming is more than just a week of games, dances, and decorations; it’s a tradition that brings the entire high school community together. Students from all grades come together to celebrate school spirit, share in friendly competition, and create memories that last a lifetime.
It’s a time when differences are set aside, and students can connect, support one another, and feel united as part of something bigger than themselves.
“As a candidate for homecoming queen, my biggest thought is just how grateful I am for the experience. It’s easy to get caught up in the competition part of it, but I don’t want to lose sight of the fact that this is such a rare opportunity,” Hill said. “Homecoming is such a fun tradition. I hope people see me as someone who brought positivity and energy to this season, and I’ll always be thankful for the encouragement.”
What’s coming up?
The annual homecoming festivities are approaching quickly, and getting everyone at MHS in the school spirit. Homecoming week starts with spirit week, when students can dress up and show their creativity through their outfits. This year’s homecoming parade will take place on September 25 at 5:30 p.m. down Broadway with the homecoming court, band of pirates, varsity cheerleaders, dance team, school clubs, and more. On September 26, MHS will have its pep rally to kick off the fun going into the football game later that evening, where they will announce the homecoming queen. The last day of the homecoming week ends with the dance on September 27.
“I would say my all-time favorite homecoming traditions are, of course, spirit week and the pep rallies. Seeing how the class comes together by staying involved with the themes and being the loudest class makes me very happy,” said senior class president Chanyah Calhoun.
Organizing homecoming comes with lots of different opinions and steps to making sure everyone is able to have an enjoyable time. It is important for all students to be able to participate in events and activities going on in the building, so planning should focus on inclusivity, creativity, and school spirit to ensure the entire student body feels welcomed and involved.
“I would say the most challenging would be planning. I say this because there are so many different opinions when we are planning these activities. We would have to take those opinions and try to mash them together to create this image of our ideas,” Calhoun said. “Students can be involved by simply participating in spirit week. If they choose not to participate throughout the week, they can at least attend the dance.”
Calhoun, being the class president of the highest and biggest class at MHS, has a little bit of pressure that comes with it to make sure everyone is satisfied with how they are celebrating homecoming week. Not only does it involve organizing events that appeal to a wide variety of students, but it also requires balancing traditions with fresh ideas.
“Having this role during this time honestly feels good. I like it because it keeps me busy and organized. I like how I share the same ideas with a lot of the students, so I feel like these things are most likely to happen. The mindset I have for this role would be, since it’s my last year, I’m going out with a bang,” Calhoun said.
Staff spotlight:
Bo Patton, the boys basketball head coach and intro to entrepreneurship teacher at MHS, has worked in the Merrillville School System for 13 years and is going into his seventh year as the head coach of the boys basketball program.
With a great tenure like Patton’s, he delivers nothing less than excellence in the way he coaches his athletes. His years of experience have shaped him into a mentor who not only focuses on building skill and discipline but also on fostering confidence, teamwork, and personal growth. Patton’s leadership style reflects consistency, passion, and dedication, making him a coach that athletes trust, respect, and are motivated to perform for both on and off the court.
“My favorite thing about teaching and coaching at Merrillville High School is the impact I can have on motivating, giving knowledge, and inspiring the next generation of future leaders,” Patton said.
The ability to educate students in the classroom and guide athletes on the court is a rare and valuable skill that requires patience, versatility, and a deep understanding of both academics and athletics. It demonstrates a capacity to connect with individuals in multiple settings to inspire learning and personal development in ways that extend far beyond the classroom or the game.
Such a talent reflects not only knowledge and expertise but also the dedication and passion necessary to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people.
“Every day, they motivate me to stay ready as I feel it is my ministry to pour into them,” Patton said.
Student spotlight:
Senior Rheana Early is learning to balance excitement and anxiety with adjusting to her senior year. While managing academics and sports, she is finding confidence in her ability to handle the challenges that come with being a senior while developing the skills needed to succeed after high school.
“Being a senior is a bit nerve-wracking. I’ve had a couple of people who were in the class of 2025 who were my helping hands, but now that they’re gone, it’s an adjustment to figure out how to do it on my own,” Early said.
Even the smallest change from being a junior to a senior can be a lot to take in with college applications coming up and graduation around the corner. With all the responsibilities of being a senior, it’s always great to have a good support system in your corner.
Early has found her support system within MHS and is able to lean on her teachers, teammates, and friends for guidance and encouragement. This network not only helps her manage the pressures of academics and extracurriculars but also gives her the reassurance that she doesn’t have to face the challenges of senior year alone. Surrounded by people who want to see her succeed, she can focus on her goals with greater confidence and determination.
“The school has taught me to just be myself, and I will attract friends who accept me for who I truly am. I’ve met some of my closest friends and my boyfriend through sports and classes, and we’ve all connected with many different topics, whether it be knowledge or a hobby. I feel like a lot of us are scared to show who we actually are, and that attracts the wrong friends,” Early said.
The Merrillville school system is known for being supportive of its students and student-athletes when it comes to helping them transition into the next phases of their careers.
“Merrillville athletics have impacted me in so many ways, whether it be the sport, the coaches, or the teammates. The unlimited support that you get is just unreal. As an athlete, it is common to struggle mentally in various sports, but I think having a good coaching staff and supportive teammates are the things that keep me going,” Early said.
Once Early has completed high school, she plans to attend college and study in the field of healthcare and/or medicine, with hopes of pursuing a career that allows her to make a positive impact on people’s lives while continuing to grow her knowledge and skills.
“After high school, I plan on attending any one of the IUs or Purdue to major in Nursing or Pre-Med. I’ve always been drawn to the medical field, and I’m hoping that when I’m older, my goals and education will lead me to be a Labor and Delivery Nurse,” Early said.