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Students sporting red, black, blue and green t-shirts enjoyed multiple outdoor games and activities on a circuit course of fun Friday, Sept. 24 during the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School’s (CHS) Homecoming Fest, that culminated the school’s Spirit Week. 

Although the students, who were divided into teams of freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors, were pleased at being able to play, engage and interact – their overriding mission was to win the coveted prize of the day – free lunch. 

CHS juniors (clad in black t-shirts) won the most homecoming games. The Class of 2023 will receive lunch of their choice, provided by Stan Williams of Equitable Advisors in St. Louis. The lunch party date is yet to be determined. 

“What a glorious day and time we are having,” enthused CHS Director Gina Jeffries. “Our CHS staff did a fantastic job of coming up with today’s exciting games and activities for our scholars. It’s so wonderful to see everyone enjoying themselves and having such a great time.” 

“Homecoming Fest was filled with excitement,” said Liza Cummings, PhD, CHS STEM instructional coordinator and homecoming activities coordinator. “We planned and executed an afternoon of knowledge and excitement through games, dance, music, photos and more. This was an event that left so many great memories and a bar for the future. After a year and half away from in-person learning, Homecoming Fest and Spirit Week was a much-needed breath of fresh air.” 

Individual prizes were also awarded for competing in various games and activities. Outdoor activities occurred on the quad at the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus (ESLHEC). Students also had a chance to view the movie, “Cruella,” in the multipurpose Room of Building D on the ESHEC. 

Some of the homecoming games and activities included: tug of war, a 360 photo booth operated by Megaluxphotobooth.com, the collaborative art project “CHS on Canvas,” skee-ball, Jenga tables and a dance-off contest. 

“The photo booth was so much fun for them. There were a lot of props for them to play with,” said CHS English teacher Bridget Nelson. “They got the chance to feel like they were in the spotlight, and they loved pulling the teachers up there, too!”

Taking center stage for the day was the entertaining and rhythmic music, with CHS STEM chair Johnathan Tate on the turntable. “I may be enjoying the day more than the students,” said Tate. “Good music always makes for a good time.” 

The SIUE Charter High School is a school-of-choice for families in the East St. Louis School District 189. The mission of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School is to prepare students who are career- and college-ready upon graduation. To achieve this mission, the school and its staff will positively impact the educational and economic lives of East St. Louis, Illinois youth through individualized instruction in core academic subjects, exploration of career interests and aptitudes, assistance in realizing students’ talents, high academic goals, and expectations that graduates will become competitive employees for the 21st century. 

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SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) students enjoyed a day of fun during Homecoming Fest.