Robbie Day

Brandon Keith

Dominique Moore

Michael Bowdel

Holden Fleming

Hayley Ashwell

Matt Melki

Jay Osborne

He wore a cape and was not afraid to show off a pair of yellow tights to match.

He’s Patrick Henry High School’s Student Government Association president, and this was homecoming week.

“It’s just a really good reason to show school pride,” explained a nylons-clad Robbie Day, 17. “It’s a great force that does bring a lot of students together. … Something I’ll tell my kids about.”

At high schools across the area, it’s the season where for one week, each day has a theme. Nerd day or hippie day or days dedicated to school spirit, where even nonathletes wear jerseys and school colors and black football smudges under their eyes.

It’s when donning a Batman mask, a witch’s hat or a velvet, Harry Potter-esque cape is not only acceptable, but encouraged. It’s when long school hallways are papered like giant Christmas presents, covered with banners and signs boasting school spirit.

“I think it’s a time to celebrate and remember that high school is the best years of our life,” explained Michael Bowdel, a 15-year-old Patrick Henry sophomore in the school’s ROTC. “We only have one chance to be in high school, and once we’re out, we’re into the real world.”

From new freshmen in the marching band to seniors on the starting lineup of the football team, homecoming is about being part of one’s school. “It gives us a chance to be welcomed to the school,” said Holden Fleming, a 14-year-old freshman at William Byrd High. “Prom is for the people who are leaving.”

And for those having their last high school homecoming, the week can be bittersweet.

“Homecoming means a lot. It’s a week of fun activities and a lot of interaction between students and teachers,” said Brandon Keith, a wide receiver on Patrick Henry’s football team. “It’s my senior year, so it’s been the best one.”

And while the week was fun, teammate Dominique Moore, 17, said he was looking forward to the homecoming game.

“I just can’t wait to run out of the tunnel and see everybody,” Dominique said. “It’s homecoming — it’s much more energy than a regular game.”

As the name implies, homecoming also attracts alumni back to high school.

Matt Melki, who graduated from Hidden Valley High in 2005, returned to campus last week for the game.

“I still come to the homecoming football game out of respect for my school … and to see the students I went to school with and the faculty that made my high school life so memorable,” he said. “The faculty helped me so much through high school when I had rough times, and it’s just … really good to see them again.”

But some high schoolers, such as William Byrd freshman Hayley Ashwell, find the appearance of long-graduated alumni disturbing.

“If they are a year out [of high school], it’s OK,” she said. “But if it’s like three years, it’s kind of creepy.”

Not for those who graduated, however. Alumni see homecoming as a good time to catch up with friends.

“I made a lot of strong friendships in high school,” said Jay Osborne, a 2006 Hidden Valley graduate, “and I love coming home to hang out with them — catching up and partying like the old days.”

Kathlyn Sowers contributed to this story. She is a senior at Hidden Valley High School and an intern with The Roanoke Times.