Fall homecoming events return to Herndon, South Lakes

Fall activities for area schools are back.

Compared to last year when the pandemic disrupted sports, dances and parades, lineups are returning at Herndon and South Lakes schools and others.

Students are wearing masks as they attend school and make traditional homecoming decorations in school hallways; vaccine mandates for athletes have brought high school football back with as much normalcy as possible.

There will still be some differences as COVID-19 precautions persist: James Madison High School’s dance will be held Saturday night in two large tents at the school’s rear parking lot. The theme is “Highway to Homecoming.”

Last year, football and other fall sports were canceled as students largely studied remotely. Herndon canceled its homecoming parade, too, which can involve over 1,500 participants, and the school held a live virtual event for homecoming.

“Homecoming is a longstanding tradition in the Herndon community. It is very much a full-community effort,” Principal Liz Noto said in a statement, noting that many alumni return for the afternoon football game.

The Herndon Homecoming Parade will require all participants to wear a mask. It starts at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 16 at Herndon Middle School and runs along Elden Street from Locust Street/Sterling Road to Lynn Street. The game against Washington-Liberty High School is at 1 p.m.

@SLHS2022 is ready for Homecoming Week! #lockerpoddecorations #spiritweekbegins @FCPSRegion1 pic.twitter.com/n0Z3p3Qnsa

— South Lakes High School (@southlakeshs) October 7, 2021

The South Lakes Seahawks will have their homecoming parade from 5-6:30 p.m. Oct. 15 starting at Hunters Wood Plaza and ending at the high school.

The school will have its homecoming parade start at Hunters Wood Plaza and arrive at the high school before the big game that night at 7 against Chantilly.

Photo via twitter.com/southlakeshs