It’s that time of year again: Homecoming. With a successful season under their belts so far, the C of C men’s basketball team and their student supporters are ready to keep celebrating.
This year’s Homecoming theme is “Where the Wild Things Are,” based on the popular children’s book and movie, and many activities and events are planned for all students to enjoy, including some new ones.
Bethany LaPlante, Assistant Director of Student Life, said this year’s theme was voted on by the Homecoming committee, which consists of seven students.
“The Steering Committee thought of the theme after brainstorming a ton of ideas,” LaPlante said. “After the committee narrows the brainstormed list down to a few options, they vote and whichever theme gets the most votes becomes our Homecoming theme.”
LaPlante said the students think of themes that can be easily recognized and displayed.
“They try to think of a concept or idea that can be easily interpreted through several venues,” LaPlante said. “Banner design and parade float design.”
The Homecoming committee has added new events this year for students to participate in, including new Homecoming royalty.
“We have added a prince and princess to the Homecoming royalty competition, which will hopefully allow for previous years’ winners to participate in future Homecoming events before they graduate,” LaPlante said. “In the past we have only had a competition for a king and a queen.”
The committee has also moved the pep rally to get more students spirited and ready.
“We have also moved the pep rally to the beginning of the week to act as a kick-off to the week, rather than just the upcoming basketball games,” LaPlante said.
The students involved in Homecoming wanted to include community service in their planning, LaPlante said.
“The service component to Homecoming has taken on a new name, ‘Cougars Taking Action,’” LaPlante said. “And will remain a consistent part of future Homecomings as a combination of a service project and some sort of drive; supply, food, penny wars.”
LaPlante said students can get involved with almost every aspect of Homecoming.
“Students are getting involved both through the planning of the Homecoming events and through participation in the Spirit Cup competitions,” LaPlante said. “Student organizations can choose to participate in all of the events, or only a few.”  
Since C of C doesn’t have a football team, LaPlante said students should celebrate their basketball team in this way.
“The College of Charleston is unique and we have a great opportunity to do Homecoming like no other school can,” LaPlante said. “We can take advantage of the fact that we don’t have a football team, but a great basketball team, and celebrate our way; celebrate being Cougars.”
LaPlante encourages students to get involved with Homecoming and show their school spirit.
“Homecoming is a great way for students to show their pride for the College of Charleston,” LaPlante said. “It can bring groups together to support a common celebration.”