San Benito High School senior Ashlyn Gonzales and freshman Megan
Sanchez came to school Wednesday wearing the exact same plaid
jumper and flip-flops.
Hollister – San Benito High School senior Ashlyn Gonzales and freshman Megan Sanchez came to school Wednesday wearing the exact same plaid jumper and flip-flops.
But the girls weren’t embarrassed by the fashion faux-pas. The matching outfits – down to the matching white lace-trimmed leggings – were planned out for “Twin Day,” part of the high school’s homecoming week.
Friday’s Homecoming events, including the football game against North Salinas and the parade along San Benito and Monterey streets, mark part of a long-standing tradition for the Hollister Haybalers, alumni and the community.
“I think it’s awesome that we still have the tradition here,” said Principal Krystal Lomanto, a ‘Baler alum.
Lomanto said she thinks San Benito is one of the few area high schools that still has a community parade for homecoming week.
“Our community supports it and our students work really hard on the floats,” she said.
The Homecoming game gives alumni a chance to come back to their old stomping ground. Allison Renz, a class of 1997 graduate, said she specifically chose this weekend to plan her class’ reunion so that people could attend both events.
“For people who have been away, I thought it would be a good weekend,” she said. “(It) gives people a chance to go to the game and support the ‘Balers.”
Now a Salinas resident, Renz said she hasn’t been to a homecoming football game for a few years, but she said she’s looking forward to watching the ‘Balers play and seeing a few familiar faces, too.
Lomanto said many alumni and community members show up for the homecoming game.
“Our crowds are usually very large for Homecoming,” Lomanto said. “It’s the real ‘Friday Night Lights.'”
But for the current students, the Homecoming game and week are perhaps even more important and exciting.
Junior Jessica Frey, who has helped organize various Homecoming events through her Rally Club and Associated Student Body involvement, said the event helps unify the school.
“My favorite thing about homecoming week is the dress-up days,” said Frey, 16. “You really see how spirited everyone is. Friday, all you see are the ‘Baler colors.”
On Wednesday, while the spirit was not as immediately apparent, it was soon clear that many people came wearing matching T-shirts and outfits. Two boys wore matching Power Rangers tees and a couple embraced in matching white and black shirts.
Cousins Gonzales, 16, and Sanchez, 14, stood out wearing complete matching outfits. Sanchez said her first experience participating in homecoming week as a freshman had been fun.
“We live together and we just decided to be twins. Most people think we’re sisters,” Gonzales said.
Gonzales said she really enjoyed homecoming week and taking part in the lunchtime activities. Both girls plan on attending the Homecoming game.
“It’s just fun. You have something to look forward to with the halftime performances,” Gonzales said.
The Homecoming parade and game also bring the community together with the school, Frey said.
“I see a lot of older people and adults at the game. It brings the community closer to the high school,” Frey said.
