Homecoming is a longstanding and important tradition in Poly Prep’s history. Throughout the event, sports teams compete at scheduled times while a range of other festivities welcome participants of all ages. It not only offers fun and entertainment, but fosters community, as parents, faculty, students and visitors come together to engage in and watch the attractions.

“Homecoming is a special day because we have so many alums come back. It’s nice to see the alums. It’s nice to see their children,” said Lou Candel, head of athletics, who has overseen and helped organize Homecoming for the past two years. “We had a few of our retired coaches here; Bart Moroney and Gerry Stone. The alums loved coming back and talking with their old coaches.” Each year, the event invites Poly alumni and past staff to return to campus, where they are able to reconnect with old friends, coaches and staff. 

On Saturday, October 18, students celebrated Homecoming by dressing in blue and gray, while adorning themselves with Poly spirit merch, such as beaded necklaces and face paint. Each varsity sports team won its Homecoming match this year, playing against different schools. However, sports weren’t the only source of entertainment. In the Oval, Poly offered a pumpkin patch, carnival games, rides, bouncy castles and food stands for every visitor to enjoy, according to the Poly Prep Website.

At last year’s Homecoming, Poly embraced the theme “Pink Out,” which commemorated the late Patti Tycenski, a longtime health teacher at Poly and an avid breast cancer awareness activist. Students wore Poly’s pink Homecoming shirts to honor her battle and show solidarity with her struggle, as stated by the Poly Prep Website. Players on Saturday during the recent Homecoming continued the tradition. To observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, athletes wore pink during games, used pink tape, pink arm bands and pink socks.