The week of Oct. 19 was filled with spirit days, prizes and social media challenges in celebration of “Homestaying Week” organized by the Student Council. Although there was no homecoming dance to end the week, VHHS embraced the unique situation, with students and staff participating in a variety of activities throughout these days.

Each day had a spirit theme such as pajamas, college gear or color, during which, students who dressed up had the chance to win prizes and free lunches. Student Council took advantage of social media and posted several challenges that many students took part in. 

Student Council Vice President Emmy Woodrow (12) explained how they utilized technology to reach students. 

“We’ve been making a lot of videos; there’s a new video every single day this week… and we have been using Instagram as the main form of communication to get people active,” Woodrow said.

On Monday, students were able to fill in a “This or That” Instagram story and tag their friends to be entered in a raffle for free lunch. Students of all grades reposted the challenge and showed how they were participating in “Homestaying” week festivities.

Student Council also reached out to the staff, giving them opportunities to get involved. 

Earlier in the month, students were asked which teacher they missed the most. The top 10 teachers who were mentioned received a special opportunity to “Spin the Wheel” and win a prize—or get pied in the face, all of which students could see during their second period class. 

Mrs. Laura Oliver, the Student Council Executive Board Advisor, talked about Student Council’s goal for “Homestaying” week.

“What can we do to make people smile a little bit or make them laugh a little bit?” Mrs. Oliver said. “Maybe something to get them to engage with any of their peers … basically anything to get us to smile, have some sort of connection or feeling a little bit of school spirit even though we’re all sitting at home.”

The week ended off with Senior Lip Sync performances where three groups performed their routines on the football field for students to watch through a Youtube live stream and vote for their favorite team. In addition to the Senior Lip Sync groups, some VHHS staff put together their own routine with an e-learning theme

Aditi Ram (12), a member of “Impostors,” the winning team, described her reaction to the unique performance experience.

“It felt nice to be doing something… I really appreciate how Student Council still gave us the opportunity to do it outdoors,” Ram said. “I thought it was really fun and exciting, and being on the football field kind of felt like home again.”

Despite the challenges of distance due to remote learning, Student Council continues to engage students in an effort to make school more enjoyable.