Lions and Tigers and Bears—Oh My!
![Upper school students lead the team onto the field carrying flags spelling "Eagles"]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1698437301/secondbaptistschoolorg/rmgmbouhayjptxh8xf3i/MD408223.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1698437301/secondbaptistschoolorg/rmgmbouhayjptxh8xf3i/MD408223.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1698437301/secondbaptistschoolorg/rmgmbouhayjptxh8xf3i/MD408223.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1698437301/secondbaptistschoolorg/rmgmbouhayjptxh8xf3i/MD408223.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1698437301/secondbaptistschoolorg/rmgmbouhayjptxh8xf3i/MD408223.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1698437301/secondbaptistschoolorg/rmgmbouhayjptxh8xf3i/MD408223.jpg","width":2200}])
Lions and Tigers and Bears—Oh My!
Natalie Hedges, SBS parent and upper school English teacher, reflects on her family's SBS Homecoming 2023 experiences.
When my sophomore son, Clayton, received his official invitation to the SBS homecoming dance in the mail, our family became excited to learn the theme for this year's event: Far From Home, and specifically, the jungle.
Colby, my sixth grader, Clayton, and I began brainstorming ideas for their theme day outfits in the weeks leading up to homecoming week. Each day of the week was themed and we knew students and teachers would dress in some great costumes. Monday’s theme: outerspace; Tuesday: pajamas; Wednesday: rock and roll; Thursday: jerseys; and Friday for the day and the dance: jungle attire.
“Mom, do you know any songs by Led Zeppelin? Wait. Mom, do I know any songs by Led Zeppelin?”
“Mom, do you think Coach Lane will care if I wear black pajama pants with my black rock-and-roll shirt on Wednesday?”
“Mom, what do people wear on a jungle safari?!”
“How about that pink Hawaiian shirt?”
“Why would someone wear a Hawaiian shirt on a safari? It’s not a luau.”
“Fair point.”
To add to the excitement of the week, Mrs. Daniels (upper school student life coordinator) sent me a video on Thursday before homecoming announcing that Clayton had been nominated for the 2023 homecoming court! Clayton's Class of 2026 is particularly endearing to me, so our family was overjoyed to learn he had received this special honor from his classmates.
On the Sunday night before Homecoming Spirit Week, Clayton walked into the house with a Cheshire cat smile and a new pile of outrageous clothes, including a brand new tiger costume. He then proceeded to share his purchases (the closest thing to a fashion show I will ever get from my family of four sons), one high-priced costume after another. Needless to say, my husband's favorite theme day was--hands down--bargain pajama day. Interestingly, the comfort of pajama day placed it in the ranks as both of my sons’ favorite of the themed days.
“Mom, I think I learn better when I’m comfortable. We should wear pajamas to school more often.”
“Okay. Why don’t you suggest that to Coach Lane?”
As a mother of two current SBS students and two SBS alumni, this year's theme, Far From Home, and the events surrounding homecoming only added to my excitement because my two oldest sons, who are away at college, would return home for the weekend to cheer on the Eagles and visit with their former classmates. They spent the evening catching up with friends and reminiscing about the memories they created together at Second.
When the game ended with an SBS victory over Lutheran South, Clayton walked over to the decorated E Gym with his buddies, and the rest of us said our goodbyes and headed home, but not before one of my nostalgic older sons gathered with a few of his former classmates for a bite at Whataburger, a long-time SBS tradition after football games.
I fell asleep that night grateful for the SBS family and for the sound of Life 360 alerting me that all of my boys had arrived home safely, reminding me that, truly, there is no place like home.