By Cassie Schenck

This year’s homecoming resulted in 53 different organizations participating in the different festivities revolving around the theme “Lights, Camera, Homecoming.”

Each year the possible themes are brainstormed by the homecoming committee and then brought to the organizations for voting.  The past homecoming themes have been “Game On,” “90s,” “Lived ‘Em, Loved ‘Em, Never Left ‘Em,” and “This is How We Roll.”

No matter the theme, each sorority, fraternity, resident hall, organizations and students always seem to put forth their best effort and contribute to the week of events.

“The variety show and the games are the most popular events,” homecoming chair member Donvontae Walton said.

Homecoming events usually revolve around three major groups: greek communities, residence halls and student organizations. Walton said the reason that these events are revolved around these three groups is because of competition.

“Most students are involved and committed to one group on campus,” Walton said. “Healthy competition is welcomed among these groups, but we still try to get students who aren’t involved in groups to come join in the fun as well.”

The homecoming committee promotes homecoming to those not involved in greek life, reslife or student organizations, by putting up posters and bulletins or the upcoming events. New to this year, they also welcomed any student to help donate to Treyton’s Field of Dreams.

“Homecoming is one of the times of the year that I see the entire campus come together as a whole with a lot of school spirit and show a ton of participation,” Walton said.

Since 1999, the number of groups that have participated in homecoming ranges from 35 to the highest of 63 (in 2010).  This year, the variety show was estimated to have 1,300 in attendance and the parade had 86 entries.

Sophomore Kaitlin Horne of Alpha Sigma Sorority said she knows what it is like to be involved in homecoming and put in hard work.

“Alpha sigma takes homecoming very seriously,” Horne said. “We prepare at least a month in advance and take a lot of time practicing, but we have a lot of fun with it.”

Horne said it is all healthy competition against other greeks.

“It’s a great way to show spirit for your sorority or fraternity,” Horne said. “It’s also a great way to become aware of other organizations on campus.”

Representing a member of the DECA organization, sophomore Stephanie Smudde is excited that her organization was able to take part in homecoming this year.

“I definitely think participating in homecoming has a positive effect on a person’s college experience and who would want to miss out on all that fun?” Smudde said.