It’s that time of year. The first highly anticipated social event of the year, besides the football games of course. Every year, it unites not only the High School but the whole district. The middle-school students getting told to “sit down” on The Hill, Elementary school kids reaching for candy at the parade, and all the parents relishing in the excitement along with their kids. Homecoming. Despite all the chaos that comes with Homecoming including: getting asked, buying your tie to match an ambiguous dress description (“My dress is mink”, good luck matching that one) and Spirit Week dress up days; we often forget where the craziness stems from. What is homecoming all about?

Our Alumni. The real tradition within Homecoming is welcoming back our alumni. Southwestern University held the first homecoming celebration in April 1909. Now over 100 years later, that tradition has evolved into shameless dance antics and pride for our school.

So let’s take a step back and honor those alumni, who most likely will not be coming back, but we can still brag about. Who knows, maybe these alumni had a few of the same teachers you do. Maybe they ate the same thing for lunch that you do. Maybe some of their talent was bred in Minnetonka and will rub off on us. Here is a list of relevant alumni to celebrate, but mainly brag about while the Minnetonka blood is rushing through our veins this week:

1. Beau Allen- Class of 2010

Beau is a nose tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was drafted by the Eagles in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wisconsin.

2. Jake Gardiner- Class of 2008

Jake was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks of the NHL in the first round in 2008. In 2011, Anaheim traded Gardiner, to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Gardiner was named the NHL All-Rookie Team after scoring 30 points in 75 games with the Maple Leafs at the end of the season.           ©Photobucket

3. Raina Hein- Class of 2006

Raina is an American fashion model. Hein is best known as a competitor on America’s Next Top Model. She made it to the final two with Krista White. She was known for her positive personality, and unique looks. She was told she looks like the new mix of Denise Richards and Brooke Shields.

4. Zac Barnett- Class of 2005

Zac is the lead singer and guitarist in the American rock band, American Authors. The band all met while attending Berklee College of Music in 2007. They formerly called themselves the Blue pages. They were signed to Island Def Jam Music and there produced Best Day of My Life and Believer.

Check them out at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y66j_BUCBMY 

©Zimbio