Homecoming Week 2023

Although PHS may not have won the Turkey Tussle, this year’s homecoming activities proved to be very festive. Annually held at the Rose Bowl, a 92,542-seat football stadium and National Historic Landmark, our homecoming game is one of the highlights of students’ academic years, keeping the time-old rivalry with John Muir High School alive and well.

This rivalry has been a defining feature of the Turkey Tussle since its inception in 1947. At the time, the game was played between Pasadena Community College and John Muir Community College, institutions that would eventually evolve into the high schools we attend today, alongside other descendants.

The Victory Bell, however, is not as old as the event itself, as it was introduced in 1955. Initially used on a steam locomotive, the bell was introduced by ASB Vice President Jim Shelton, whose father was general manager of the Santa Fe Railroad Company. As a rotating trophy between Pasadena and Muir, the Victory Bell is symbolic of the culmination of the school’s rivalry.

The PHS football team hasn’t been doing as well this season due to several changes in their coaches and players. Even though many students predicted a severe loss, the Tussle still saw the familiar faces of students and families filling the stands. On campus, there was widespread participation from students in Spirit Week activities. Spirit Week, characterized by 5 thematic days, included Dress Up/Dress Down Day, Decades Day, Muir Minion Day (a spin on the classic Muir Nerd Day), Gym Rat/Pilates Mom Day, and Red and White Day.

Students also participated in the annual Campus Decoration, spending weeks preparing cardboard cutouts and plywood constructions to decorate the school grounds. All the classes made setups to be proud of, but the best of all were the seniors (the class of 2024), who won first place.

Many PHS students also celebrated this school year at the 2023 Homecoming Dance, which took place on October 28th at Santa Anita Park’s Chandelier Room. The Homecoming Court’s seven princesses presided over the dance: Madeleine Lees, Emma Griffith, Salma Yanez, Ana Jochola, Claire James, Megan Tse, and Kyna Franklin. Salma was crowned Queen at the Homecoming Assembly on Wednesday, October 25th, which saw lively performances from cheer, Orchesis, and the PHS drumline.

Very few high schools have such enduring traditions associated with their homecoming games. Especially one played in a professional football stadium. And even though we lost this year, it was clear that our marching band and color guard were superior to Muir’s. As Bulldogs, we have much to be proud of and thankful for. Let’s go Bulldogs!