With all of its activities, in the midst of Homecoming week, it’s easy to forget about the planning that’s involved to coordinate this major event at a school this size, and this year includes several differences that class officers had to plan before the week kicked off, which made their challenge even greater.

According to Senior Class president Julian Batts, there have already been some differences from last year’s Homecoming. For example, students were able to buy T-shirts the week prior to Homecoming to raise money for their class’s designated charity. In addition, if a student ate in downtown Carmel

this past Monday, that student got discounts on his or her meal at selected restaurants. Additionally, student government did not host the annual Homecoming 5K because of an overlap with the Tour de Carmel, scheduled for the same day.

Despite the changes, some events have remained the same. Playhouse building, which will take place today after school, is a charity event when class officers select a theme and execute it with a playhouse. Whether through painting, decorating or detailing, students decide how they want to portray that theme with the playhouse. When time is up for the construction of the playhouse, the houses go up for sale. Each class donates the money it receives to its selected charity. For example, the Senior Class’s adopted charity is Chaucie’s Place.

Batts said, whatever the events planned, the goal is for students to participate.

“I would definitely like to encourage every student to get involved as much as possible during the spirit days,” Batts said. “That means participating in the spirit days and going to the events that are held after school. You make the best out of your Homecoming. If you don’t go, your Homecoming isn’t going to be that great. If you do get involved, then you are bound to have a great Homecoming week.”