Seniors gathered at the upper school campus for music, cheering, food trucks and ice cream during the Homecoming soccer game Friday.

Head Prefect Jonathan Cosgrove ’21 said the mix of food trucks, music, drum line, cheering and being with friends created a great atmosphere that cannot be matched online.

“In the fall, we were unable to plan many events due to high COVID-19 numbers,” Cosgrove said. “However, now that health conditions are much better in LA County, we are trying to give seniors many of the fun experiences that we missed out on from earlier this year. Homecoming is always a Harvard-Westlake classic, so we thought it would be really enjoyable for everyone.”

Varsity boys soccer team wins Homecoming game 

The varsity boys soccer team won 7-0 against Chaminade High School on the Ted Slavin Field. Varsity boys soccer player Jason Salmeron ’22 said getting to play at school in front of the seniors was very special because it gave the team an extra edge and a surge of confidence.

“Although there were many moments that made Homecoming memorable, it was being able to honor and recognize the seniors that made it an unforgettable experience,” Salmeron said. “Not only was it a culmination of all their hard work and contributions to Harvard- Westlake, but it was special to recognize their resilience over these last 16 months of hardship and adaptation to evolving circumstances on and off the field. No one deserves the recognition more than them.”

Students support athletes during the game 

Although varsity boys soccer player Magnus Ferrell ’22 could not play in the soccer game due to an injury, he said he was still able to feel the school spirit as the team supported the seniors on the soccer team.

“It was just a great day for the team to get a win at home,” Ferrell said. “The seniors deserved to have such a great senior night after everything they’ve had to go through with their pandemic year.”

Tatiana Washington ’21 said she enjoyed spending time with friends in person during the Homecoming game.

“I thought it was nice that we got together as a senior class to celebrate some athletes who haven’t been able to have fan appreciation all year,” Washington said. “I also felt really safe and thankful that everyone was wearing masks and all of it was outside.”