West Aurora High School celebrated Homecoming week filled with school spirit, tradition and celebration Sept. 21-25. The theme was “Written in the Stars.”
Students showed their creativity and Blackhawk pride throughout the week with Spirit Week activities, Food Fest, Paint Night, pep assembly and the annual Homecoming Parade. The after-school event through the school neighborhood showcased clubs, teams, and groups that make West High special.
Crowned Mr. and Mrs. WAHS were J.J. Chan and Evalyn Chavez.
Longtime staff member Rich Clausel was named the grand marshal of the parade. A press release said, “For 40 years, Clausel has been a familiar and trusted presence at West Aurora High School. Throughout his career in security, he has built relationships with generations of students while helping create a safe and welcoming environment at West High. Today, he continues to serve the school community as the lunchroom supervisor.”
Principal Whitney Martino said, “Rich is truly part of the fabric of West Aurora. His love for this school and our students is visible in everything he does. For generations of students, Rich has been a familiar and trusted face, someone who is always looking out for kids and genuinely wants West to be a great place for everyone.
“Just as importantly, he is an incredible colleague. He brings positivity wherever he goes and is always ready with a good story, a laugh, or a kind word. Rich represents what it means to care deeply about a place and the people in it. He is, without question, a true Blackhawk.”
—Al Benson