Beloved hoco tradition saved for seniors

Fire Up the Kats scheduled for Wednesday

LIGHT+IT+UP.++COVID+cannot+stop+Willis+traditions.++Fire+Up+the+Kats+is+still+on+to+honour+seniors.

photo or infographic by Carlie Rutledge

LIGHT IT UP. COVID cannot stop Willis traditions. Fire Up the Kats is still on to honour seniors.

This Wednesday at Berton A. Yates Stadium, a Fire Up the Kats for seniors only is scheduled. It will start at 7:30 P.M., and all seniors must wear an armband to get in. 

Fire Up the Kats generally takes place after the homecoming parade, but since there is no parade this year, it will take place at a separate time. Seniors are the only grade who are allowed to be in attendance at Fire Up the Kats, and to identify who is a senior, they will receive wristbands. 

“Seniors must have a wristband for entry,” an email from principal Stephanie Hodgins said. “Wristbands will be passed out through English IV classes this week. Remote learners, you can either pick up your wristband at WHS on Tuesday/Wednesday or plan to check in with an administrator before entering Yates.”

Not only do students need an armband for entry, they also are required to wear a mask at all times. 

MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY, and ALL STUDENTS MUST WEAR THEIR MASKS IN ORDER TO REMAIN IN THE STADIUM.

— principal Stephanie Hodgins

“MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY, and ALL STUDENTS MUST WEAR THEIR MASKS IN ORDER TO REMAIN IN THE STADIUM,”  Hodgins said.  “This is the first of many traditions that we intend to keep alive for our seniors this year. In order to maintain these traditions, we need you to follow the guidelines for masks.”

Fire Up the Kats will have many performances planned for the seniors.

“Because the Homecoming Parade was canceled this year, Fire Up the Kats will look a little different than in years past,” Hodgins said.  “First, we will start with a full-scale pep rally for seniors only, so expect to see performances from our Wildkat Band, Sweethearts and Cheer.”

After all performances, seniors will rush the field and get to experience the moment that truly makes it feel like senior year.

“At the end of the night, seniors (who are wearing masks) will be permitted to enter the field so we can light up the KATS,”  Hodgins said.