Downers Grove South Homecoming ends with Friday game, dance

Downers Grove South wraps up Homecoming week Friday, Oct. 16, with a pep assembly, a "Neon Nights" varsity football game and a Distinguished Alumni ceremony.

The Mustangs host Berwyn/Cicero Morton at 7:30 p.m. in a West Suburban Gold conference matchup. DGS enters the game 6-2 overall and 5-0 in conference play, sitting in first place and riding a three-game winning streak, according to MaxPreps. The team has already clinched an IHSA football playoff spot, according to a Shaw Local report referenced in Patch.

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.

Students are encouraged to wear Mustang gear or neon outfits to the game. The school sold "Neon Nights" shirts ahead of the event, the DGS student newspaper Blueprint reported.

The Fall Ball Homecoming dance follows Saturday, Oct. 17. Tickets cost $40 and are available through the 5-Star app, according to Blueprint.

A week of themed days

Homecoming week runs Oct. 13 through Oct. 17 with a different theme each day, Blueprint reporter Marjorie Brueggemann reported.

Tuesday, Oct. 13, was "cozy flannel day," paired with a food truck festival during all lunch periods and a bags tournament. Wednesday, Oct. 14, brought "spooky season day," with Halloween-inspired outfits and an all-school bingo game organized by student council. Students could also vote on pumpkins displayed in the STEAM wing, created by groups from around the school.

Thursday, Oct. 15, was "twin, trio, or squad day." Students coordinated matching outfits with friends and joined a scavenger hunt through the hallways, searching for squishy ghosts. Anyone who found one could claim a prize at the student activities office.

Friday rounds out the spirit week with "spirit day" and the pep assembly before the evening game.

Alumni honored at assembly

Distinguished Alumni from the Class of 2026 program will also be recognized at Friday's all-school homecoming assembly, parade and reception, according to Downers Grove South's website. The honorees will visit classrooms to share their stories with students.

"Since we launched the Distinguished Alumni Program in 2014 to commemorate our school's 50th anniversary, South High has recognized nearly 25 exceptional graduates," Principal Arwen Lyp said in a February news release.