The sidewalks of Green Street are flooded with students. Paint palettes and brushes occupy their hands. Slowly, the small street becomes illuminated with colors of orange, black and white, MCHS school spirit coming to the community for all to see.
MCHS has participated in Paint the Town for several years now, it is an event held during Homecoming Week where students head to local businesses in McHenry to paint the windows outside the shops.
“I love painting the town,” says Student Council President Grace Hunt, “because different clubs and teams are able to show off their organization and school spirit! It builds excitement around Homecoming and involves our community in our annual traditions.”
Paint the Town is sponsored by Student Council. Students often fill the windows with pictures related to the HOCO theme, their club or activity and many MCHS identities like name and school colors.
“Paint the Town is a way to get the community involved and excited about Homecoming!” says StuCo advisor Samantha Carlson. “Not only does it allow the community to see when Homecoming is, but it adds school spirit to the town and … Homecoming tradition.”
MCHS connects with businesses to find places for students to paint. Businesses in the McHenry area enjoy having students decorate their windows for HOCO week.
“For planning we have a spreadsheet that says all the businesses that have participated in the past. We usually start by contacting them to see if they are interested in participating again,” says Jamie Rosinski, administrative assistant for the assistant principal. “Once we have the businesses confirmed we share the spreadsheet with all our activity advisors. From there the activities can sign up for the windows they want to paint, and put what day they are painting.”
“It’s fun to meet business owners and have our students collaborate with our community,” says StuCo advisor Stefanie Lukas.
Many students enjoy the fun time painting the windows after school hours with friends.
“I have many cherished memories painting windows of local businesses with friends from Student Council,” Hunt says. “It is a enjoyable to plan out our design and make it look great!”
“The students certainly enjoy painting these windows,” says band advisor Ryan Cabildo. “It allows students in the Band Program to socialize with each other in a casual setting removed from the pressures of the rehearsal room and working with our instruments.”
Teachers and advisors also enjoy watching the students have fun along with community members.
“Environmental Club participates in paint the town because it’s one of the club’s most long-standing traditions,” says Environmental Club advisor Kaley Young. “It’s a great way to get a lot of students involved and really get into the homecoming spirit!”
This engaging tradition helps join the community and MCHS together. All get to enjoy the electrifying artwork shining from the windows of our small town.