Several people look forward to Homecoming week as one of the most anticipated events of the school year.

Thursday night’s assembly took place in the field house and followed the Faculty Football game.

While the usual events such as the parade of athletes and performances from orchesis, poms, cheerleading, band, and choir are always fun, this year’s Pep Rally seemed to take it to another level.

To add to the excitement, Leyden’s Eagle Mascot went missing the week of Homecoming. There’s footage of someone running through the Field House doors with the Mascot’s head, and a $100 reward was offered to anyone with information that would lead to his safe return.

During Thursday night’s rally, East Leyden Dean Mike Grosch and the rest of the cowboy gang brought in the Eagle mascot tied up and blindfolded. He was brought in by Dean Grosch who was on top of a horse and was dragging in the Eagle mascot.

East Leyden’s Student Activities Director Dominic Manola had warned that the assembly would be “pure awesomeness,” and it seems he was right.

A group of Leyden students, who were brought in via several Mustangs, exited the cars and lined up facing the cowboy gang who had stolen our Eagle.

The Blue Man rode in, Eagle banner flying behind him, on top of a motorcycle and confronted the cowboy kidnappers who began messing with Blue Man by pulling down his shorts, playfully shoving him, and circling around him.

Next thing you know, Dean Grosch and East Leyden counselor Bill Mitchell were handcuffed by two Northlake police officers who drove off with the cowboys in their squad cars, lights and sirens blaring.

Once the Leyden Eagle was deemed safe, the Homecoming Court was presented and the winners, based on votes from the senior class, were announced.

East Leyden’s Homecoming King and Queen were Solomiya Danchak and Angel Castillo.

West Leyden’s Homecoming King and Queen were and Kelly Murphy and Salvador Galvan.

The week, which had started off with Spirit Wear in an effort to help each individual get pumped for the Homecoming pep rally, game, and dance, began with Pajama Day followed by Neon Day, Tie Dye Day, Battle of the Sexes, and ending with Blue & Gold Day.

The week ended with Friday night’s Homecoming football game and Saturday night’s Homecoming dance.