Walking into Westlake High School on the Friday of Spirit Week was a festive experience. No matter which hallway you turned into, walls were covered in cheerful decorations and conversations about the big game. Even though it was only eight in the morning, everyone seemed filled with excitement.

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Each day of Homecoming Week features a new theme. Monday is usually pajama day; however, because we had no school on Monday, this year, Spirit Week was shortened to four days. Tuesday became pajama day, and Wednesday was “Dress Your Age”: seniors dressed as senior citizens; juniors as parents; sophomores as kids; and freshmen as babies. Thursday was Class Pick Day—freshmen had Country vs. Country Club; sophomores had Mathletes vs. Athletes; juniors had Jersey vs. Jersey Shore; and seniors celebrated Celebrity Day. 

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For all students and staff, Friday was Pep Rally Day. Each class wore their class color, and students decorated their shirts with slogans incorporating their graduation year.

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TikTok interviews were hosted by senior E-Board members, Lindsay Fox and Ellie Georgiudakis from the Class of 2026. These videos gave students a chance to talk about their outfits and the themes of the week. The TikTok filmed at the Homecoming game especially showcased school spirit and teamwork. In it, as cheerleader Jordana Gentile was being stunted; she flipped the camera toward the student section, prompting everyone to jump up and down in unison.

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At Westlake’s Pep Rally, all four grade levels—from freshmen to seniors—competed in games led by the E-Board and Student Council. Not only was the event fun, but it also unified the student body and brought our school spirit to its fullest. These games encouraged team bonding and allowed everyone to work together. Students and teachers alike look forward to the Pep Rally each year. Although the seniors tend to win, every class has the chance to participate and cheer one another on.

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This year’s Homecoming was especially meaningful, as it was held in memory of one of our students, Gia Gentile. Gia was a varsity cheerleader and an important part of both her team and the school community. She spread kindness and brought smiles to everyone around her. Purple was Gia’s favorite color, and her family generously purchased purple jerseys for the entire football team and cheerleaders to wear in her honor. 

 

Along with the game, Westlake hosts Senior Night, where senior athletes from both football and cheerleading walk out with their families—an emotional and cherished moment. Each senior’s name is announced while “Hall of Fame,” by The Script, plays - both motivating and hopeful. Another tradition involves each football player choosing a girl to give his jacket to for the night.

These Westlake traditions hold meaning for both newcomers and seniors. 

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In an interview, freshman Student Council member Jordana Gentile said, “Spirit Days make me feel really connected and proud to be part of the school. As a freshman, it can be hard to feel at home in a new environment, but seeing everyone get involved and have fun together makes it so much easier. It’s a reminder that we’re all part of the same community, and it helps me feel like I truly belong here.”

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Senior Student Council member, Brooke Pfeiffer, shared, “Being a senior is a very nostalgic thing, but this week is a very important part of senior year, as it’s our last one and the one we get a say on. So, it’s definitely one you remember and enjoy the most.”

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Pep Rally, in particular, is a tradition that many students feel strongly about. 

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According to Jordana Gentile, “Pep Rally unified the student body by giving everyone a chance to support our teams and each other. The energy and excitement in the gym showed how much pride we all have in our school.” 

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Pfeiffer added, “Pep Rally unifies the student body because it shows the spirit students have and how everyone is willing to participate and be a part of the games.”

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 Gentile shared that the moment the cheer team walked down with the football players in their purple jerseys stood out to her: “You could really feel the power and unity.” 

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For Pfeiffer, the highlight was decorating her car with friends, expressing their creativity.

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Westlake Varsity Football Coach, Coach Castellano, said, “Westlake Homecoming is by far the best Homecoming in New York State—from the student body to the community involvement and cooperation.” He explained that the most significant part of Homecoming 2025 was Gia’s tribute: “It was so very well done—very special, unlike any other tribute. Her tribute truly had a lot of meaning to it.”

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Coach Castellano shared that he hopes his athletes appreciate the support and effort that goes into Homecoming each year—from the large crowds in the bleachers to the decorations the cheerleaders create in the locker room. 

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To prepare for the game, the team holds a pasta dinner, where parents serve food to fuel the players and give them time to bond. Though he often worries about whether the boys will stay on track before the game, they always show him he has nothing to worry about. 

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Annually, he tells them, “Enjoy this night, because 20–30 years from now, you’ll remember this game. There are two things from your football career you will always remember: your last game and your last Homecoming.”