Homecoming, the tradition of welcoming back former students to their alma mater, is a customary occasion at high schools and colleges across the country.

This year, Parkland High School celebrated homecoming with a heart full of gold as it supported awareness and fundraising for a local organization that benefits children with pediatric cancer.

“Go For The Gold! Parkland Supports Angel 34” was the theme for Homecoming which took place Oct. 11-15, culminating with a homecoming dance.

Throughout the week, events were held not only to boost school spirit, but also to bring together the community to benefit a cause close to their hearts and greater than themselves.

The proceeds of a variety of homecoming events and sales went directly to Angel 34, a local non-profit organization that raises funds, awareness and education for children with pediatric cancer.

The Angel 34 motto reads “because every child deserves an angel,” and students worked hard to fulfill that wish.

“Just thinking about the students here at Parkland affected by pediatric cancer gives me goosebumps,” said Julie Wood, faculty advisor for student council who runs the events. “This week, these kids built school spirit and made people aware.”

The money raised during homecoming week will help continue the work of Angel 34, including funds for a new cancer infusion center.

Throughout the week, students participated in a variety of activities including a favorite, the 22nd annual Garter Bowl, which pitted class teams of female flag football greats against one another on Oct. 13.

According to Wood, “The senior girls won the Garter Bowl title once again under the reign of Coaches J. Greth, A. Roposh, Mo Kautzmann and Lauren Elsenbaumer.

“The freshmen put up a valiant effort against those seniors with their superior gazelle like runs!

“They were probably the most impressive bunch of 20 girls that I have seen. Thanks to their biggest cheerleader coaches: Nunamaker, Dugan and Wolfe.

“The sophomore girls coached by Mike Carpenito, Lori Muzello and Calliope Volikas also put up a great effort. They will be a force to be reckoned with next fall.

“And finally, the juniors were coached by Andy Walker, Cori Rubel and Jackie Zolotzky. Coaches, you put up a valiant effort.

“You coached and coached and practiced and practiced. Those girls will come back again next year

Referees Bill Shock, Dr. Meehan, Jude and Jim did a great job keeping that last game under control.”

During the day on Thursday, students showed off their class pride by wearing their assigned grade color, spray painting their hair, and wearing tattoos.

Also on sale in the cafeteria were an assortment of T-shirts to celebrate the day and sparkly golden ribbons which were worn on shirts and backpacks throughout the school.

Friday continued the weeklong celebration as members of school clubs spent the day at the upper bus garage making floats and perfecting skits for the evening’s homecoming football game.

The floats were judged just before the game and paraded along the track at half-time.

The parade also included the homecoming court, who were nominated to represent their clubs at the homecoming dance.