Senior homecoming queen and king candidates for Wawasee High School include, in front from left, Samantha Delafuente, Tia Rinker, Jacquelynn Mishler and Lydia Katsaropoulos. In the back row are Adam Doll, Michael Pena, Jordan Elliott and Austin Lutz. (Photo by Tim Ashley)

October means leaves changing colors and dropping, farmers harvesting crops in fields and homecoming week at Wawasee High School.

This week at the high school is loaded with activities culminating with the crowning of the homecoming king and queen during halftime of the Wawasee-Elkhart Memorial football game Friday, Oct. 11, at Warrior Field.

This year’s homecoming theme at WHS is “Warriors Give Back.” Each grade level has a different color and is supporting a different cause based on the theme.

Freshmen are the color blue for childhood hunger, sophomores are red for heart health, juniors are lime green for mental health and seniors are pink for childhood cancer. Throughout the week students will design banners for their cause to be displayed during the homecoming football game. And during lunchtime throughout the week, there will be a “penny war” with the proceeds going to charities.

The underclass court for Wawasee High School’s homecoming includes, in front from left, Alexandra Fiscus (freshman), Michaela Herendeen (sophomore) and Breanna Robinson (junior). In the back row are Tyler Smith (freshman), Brock O’Haver (sophomore) and Austin Rhodes (junior). (Photo by Tim Ashley)

Students purchased homecoming shirts and the shirt colors reflect the causes. They will wear the shirts to the game. With the shirt purchase, they get a balloon the same color as their cause. They will release the balloons during halftime of the game and anyone in the crowd may purchase a balloon representing their favorite cause.

Monday evening is the “Capture the Flag” event, Wednesday evening is the talent show and Friday is the balloon launch.

Also during the week, dress up days will include green and gold Monday, boot scootin’ boogie day (cowboy attire) Tuesday, Wednesday is wacky Wednesday, Thursday is throwback day and Friday will be the class cause color day. Students will decorate their class alcoves throughout the week, too.

The Warrior Leadership Committee is helping with homecoming week and is sponsoring the “Capture the Flag” event.