Our Viewpoint

This week, the tradition that is homecoming begins for Sanders County schools. The students will participate in Olympics, dress-up days and dances. Volleyball and football teams will rally for wins on their home turf, and the royalty will be crowned.

Homecoming is a celebration of all things school spirit, but we feel like there’s a key component missing — encouraging alumni to come home and be a part of the celebration.

It might be smart for the schools to reach out to alumni. Let’s face it, it’s easier to find people and connect with them with the invention of social media. Many former classes hold reunions throughout the summer, but the current students could help organize an event to welcome former students during homecoming week. It doesn’t have to be a large-scale event. It could be recognizing attendees at the sporting events, or inviting alumni to have a float in the parades.

Some of us here at The Ledger are fortunate enough to live in the towns from which we graduated. And yes, it seems like a daunting task to organize a reunion. Maybe next year we’ll step up and help organize events for homecoming, and help make part of the week about welcoming alumni home.