Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every year for one week during the fall term, Western students come together to show off their school spirit. From Oct. 21 \u2013 26, the campus was filled with many events, such as trivia games, a carnival and a dodgeball tournament. The week drew to a close with the homecoming football game Saturday, Oct. 26.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The week started with an event called \u201cPaint the Town Red,\u201d hosted by ASWOU. Many different clubs on campus were able to paint the windows of businesses on Main Street in Monmouth. Many clubs participated, including the Native and Indigenous Culture Club, Math Club, Public Health Club, ASL Club and M.E.Ch.A Club. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Monday evening, students gathered at Luna\u2019s Caf\u00e9. They ordered drinks, socialized with their peers and got to use coffee to paint their canvases in aa relaxed and creative environment. This \u201cPaint and Sip\u201d event was hosted by Student Engagement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A trivia night was hosted Tuesday by the Residence Hall Association in the Summit in the Werner University Center \u2014 WUC. The theme for the event was \u201cUnder the Sea.\u201d Students teamed up with each other to test their knowledge of ocean facts. There were snacks available for everyone and fun prizes for the winners, some students walking away with items such as a Squishmallow or a blanket. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Homecoming Carnival, hosted by Student Engagement, was Oct. 23 and occurred in the Grove. Students milled around the rows of carnival games and won prizes with others joining the long line to get a custom-made airbrushed hat or bag. Meanwhile, other students took full advantage of bounce houses propped up for their leisure. There was also cotton candy, shaved ice and popcorn available. Many people simply walked around and took in all of the sights. During the carnival, students also gathered to help re-paint Western\u2019s emblem onto Church Street. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Homecoming Carnival is one of my favorite traditions,\u201d said Karina Barron, a videographer for the event. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The club fair \u2014 Thursday, Oct. 24 in the WUC \u2014 was a great opportunity for students to learn about different organizations and clubs they could join. Tables and posters were set up all around the second floor of the WUC that showcased nearly all of the clubs and organizations that Western has to offer. Some clubs also advertised upcoming events that they were organizing. For instance, Student Veterans of America \u2014 SVA \u2014 promoted a display in the WUC from Nov. 1 \u2013 Nov. 14 of people who currently serve or have previously served in the military. Students can add their loved ones to the display by filling out the Google Form linked in the SVA\u2019s Instagram account. ASWOU, who hosted the fair, helped encourage students to get involved on campus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also in the WUC during the same time as the club fair was an event called \u201cStop Horsing Around: Cookies and the Code.\u201d Students could pet a miniature horse and eat free Crumbl Cookies while learning about Western\u2019s Code of Conduct. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Abby\u2019s House hosted a purple-out volleyball game Thursday, where fans showed up dressed in purple to support domestic violence awareness. It was a well-fought game with Western\u2019s volleyball team winning 3\u20130 against Alaska Anchorage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A dodgeball tournament was held Friday in Old PE. The teams were random, and the winners got bragging rights and Wolfie keychains with different animals dressed in Western T-shirts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Friday night, students gathered around a bonfire for a pep rally while Western\u2019s cheerleaders performed their routines. Students enjoyed good music, the warmth of the bonfire, socialized and observed an energetic cheer performance. Even though it started raining, students still stayed to celebrate their school. Many people commented how the rain made the event even more memorable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The football game Saturday, Oct. 26 was a lively event, despite the wet conditions. The tailgate before the game was filled with excitement and paired with free food. Before the game started, Western\u2019s choir and band performed the national anthem and the alma mater. The cheers of students and fans could be heard all throughout campus. At halftime, Western\u2019s dance team stepped into the spotlight to perform. Abbi Duhart, a sophomore and member of the dance team, said, \u201cDancing at the homecoming football game was so much fun, especially with the stands being so full. I love my team and the choreography the officers come up with is amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Homecoming royalty was also crowned during halftime of the football game. The three winners were Daryn Heim, Amari Hendrix and Malia Fernandez. The homecoming royalty are students who are chosen because they represent the values of Western. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWestern is a great community and I love what they do for its students,\u201d said Eli Mignano, a sophomore at Western.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Homecoming week was a great way for students to show off their pride in Western. \u201cHaving school spirit is important for students. It boosts morale and helps them feel more connected to other students,\u201d said Mignano.<\/p>\n\n\n\n