Homecoming week at St. Joseph High School has taken on a new emphasis this year.

The football team has a perfect record - 7-0 overall and 5-0 in Los Padres League games. And this year, all of the school's classes, freshmen through seniors, are competing in homecoming activities.

Students score points for their classes by participating in activities, which started Monday with a Harry Potter dress-up day.

Points are accumulated throughout the week, with the culmination a gym-decorating contest. The gym will be divided into four parts and decorated for the school's homecoming dance Saturday. Faculty, staff and alumni will judge the work.

"It's a competition. Everything gets points for their class," explained Jennifer Perez, the school's activities director.

Perez, 26, a St. Joseph graduate, said the school's family atmosphere adds to the friendly competition.

"They've had parents who went (to school) here, so they're very involved," Perez said. "We have alumni groups that are very involved."

On Monday, sophomore Danika Cochido served as a perfect example of a student who gets enthusiastic about her school. Cochido was dressed as Harry Potter for the costume contest, despite having little interest in the J.K. Rowling's young wizard.

"I've never seen a movie or read the books. I've just seen pictures of him," said Cochido, who did a commendable job on her costume. "I really like St. Joe. I like homecoming week because you can dress up all crazy."

Costume day is today, followed by Jinx Day - students wear blue and white (Morro Bay High School colors) to jinx Friday's opponent - on Wednesday, WTH (What The Heck) Day on Thursday, and Spirit Day on Friday, when students will wear their best green, white and gold.

The students also hold a parking lot parade before school Friday morning. The Knights football team will attempt to remain perfect at 7:30 p.m. when they kickoff against Morro Bay.

October 27, 2009