Homecoming is a tradition practiced throughout the different schools, the only difference is how each school shows Homecoming pride and tradition. Here at McKinley High school, one homecoming event that we have, is called “Lighting of the M.”

This year “Lighting of the M” will be held on October 13, 2011 on the McKinley High School campus. “Lighting of the M” is a tradition where a metal M and tiger paw get wrapped in donated towels, from the class levels, gets lit a day before the Homecoming football game.

The M was structurally built by a “students parent” said April Nakamura, student activities coordinator.

The donated towels are also a class level spirit competition.

There is no specific amount of towels needed, Neal Takamori said, “we use whatever we get,” about “4 to 5 big rubbish bags full.”

The M is then lit at the event with a “long pole doused in diesel fuel” and the “football captain lights the M, its tradition,” said Takamori.

This event has been happening every homecoming for the past 10 to 15 years, but before the 10 to 15 years “we used to have a bonfire not Lighting of the M” said April Nakamura, student activities coordinator.

This year at the “Lighting of the M,” “We are really trying to up the entertainment, from one entertainer last year” and to “make (the event) more exciting” said Nakamura.

This year at “Lighting of the M”, “two alumni groups are coming to perform”, “quint council will be performing” and “clubs get the choice to perform” said Nakamura.

Quint council is all of the class level officers as well as the executive officers of the school. Another change this year is the “entertainment will be inside of the gym because of the type of entertainment, we have a lot of dancing, not enough space,” said Nakamura.

Nakamura said if there is more entertainment at “Lighting of the M,” more people will come to the event because they might know the people who are performing.

One entertainer from the quint council, Tina Li (11) said, “we will be performing a dance routine with the whole quint council. We started practicing during the end of August,” and “we decided to do a performance in order to boost up participation and to show that you can do anything you want to if you believe and work hard. I feel excited yet anxious. I’m afraid of forgetting the routine or being off. Mostly I’m afraid of being off from everybody else because (being off) will mess up the performance.”

Another entertainer from the quint council, Ashly Kim (11) said, “I feel nervous about performing the dance because ill be dancing in front of a bunch of students. I’m afraid that i’ll make mistakes or forget dance steps while performing. I am excited because i’ll be able to perform with my friends and have fun.”

Maggie Kwock (12), Senior class treasurer said, “I am fortunate that I will be a part of the student council dance performance for Lighting of the M this year. This is my first year as a performer, and I feel an overwhelming mixture of nervousness and excitement.”

She also mentioned, “Lighting of the M has been a long cherished tradition at McKinley, and I do feel that this is a good way to boast school pride and get everyone spirited for Homecoming.” Claw Yu (12), a group performer said, “I will be dancing K-Pop, Goodbye Baby by missA and Elevator by Florida. I have been performing since middle school and I had a lot of piano performances, Its my first dancing performance in McKinley and I had practice everyday for seven hours with my partners.”

When asked if she was nervous, Yu said, “self-confidence is the first important thing when you go up to the stage.” When asked if she was excited she said, “Yes, I am because I like to show the audiences what I can do and as they watch me performing Id like them to enjoy my performance.” Brandon Tatupu, a 2003 McKinley graduate, and now a McKinley security guard, will be performing this year with Shicity, a group entirely of McKinley High School Alumni. Tatupu said the group will be “singing” at “Lighting of the M.”

Tatupu said performing is “Pretty cool, I love it. very entertaining for myself. Tatupu has been singing “a little over eight years. When asked if he was nervous, Tatupu said, “No, I wanted to do this for awhile ever since I was in high school.

“Lighting of the M was a big tradition at McKinley. We fought for spots to perform. There was a program for the Lighting of the M. (The Lighting or the M) was a big thing when I was in high school. It was like a big party celebration. Hopefully we bring (that spirit from his days in high school) back this year.”

As the Lighting of the M is nearly approaching many tigers are excited to perform and watch. This year, we should all try and participate in this homecoming tradition to boost up the school spirit. Hope to see you all there!