“TOUCHDOWN!!!” boomed from the speakers as the crowd erupted, celebrating Milken Wildcats’ varsity football team’s thrilling victory over Southlands Christian during last year’s homecoming with a final score of 62-28. Since that exhilarating moment, students and faculty alike have expressed excitement for this year’s homecoming to unfold. This vivid electric atmosphere captures the enthusiasm that comes to mind whenever we think of homecoming—the cheers, the school colors flying, and the sense of pride filling every corner of the field. And at Milken Community School, homecoming is so much more than just a football game. It’s a celebration of unity, a showcase of our ruach, and a time to connect over shared values, Jewish pride, and kehillah (community). Homecoming here is about coming together, and everyone—students, teachers, and alumni—plays a significant part.
As the vibrant atmosphere of Homecoming week unfolded, students eagerly participated in a range of activities designed to foster that unity and anticipation. Spirit Week set the stage for the grand event, featuring themed dress-up days and engaging lunch activities that encourage school spirit while allowing students to compete for House Cup points. This annual tradition embodies the essence of Milken’s aforementioned community – one that brings together students, faculty, and families in a shared celebration of Milken pride.
“It was beautiful to see everybody come together and support our friends, teammates, and peers during Homecoming week,” Dylan Banafsheha (‘25).
Milken’s Homecoming has evolved significantly over the years. Initially centered around a basketball game, the event transitioned to a football game six years ago, reflecting the community’s growing enthusiasm for the sport. The eagerness for the carnival has also grown, with students looking forward to the fun and games that accompany the Homecoming football match.
“Homecoming is one of our biggest events for Milken,” noted Division 11/12 Dean, House-Leader, and Chemistry Teacher Mr. Philip Rainer.
Each year, the carnival transforms the campus into a vibrant hub of activity, making it a cherished tradition for students and alumni alike.
On September 20th, a designated Town Meeting for the Fall Pep Rally ignited passion for the upcoming events. The introduction of the new Wildcat mascot added a fresh layer of student interest while the celebration of all fall sports teams created an inclusive atmosphere.
Ashton Zahabian (‘25), the new Milken mascot, shared his zeal, stating, “Being the Milken Mascot was a great experience because I brought spirit to Milken, and I shared smiles amongst the students and adults at the pep rally when I was introduced for the first time.”
The meeting served as a rallying point, bringing together athletes and supporters alike, reinforcing the collective pride of the Milken community.
Adding to the competitive spirit was the annual Ping Pong Tournament, expertly coordinated by Mr. Rainer. Held during lunch on September 23th and 24th, the tournament featured competitions to determine the House champions. The results were thrilling: Ezri Ellman from House Lazarus claimed first place, followed by Aaron Kashani from House Hekmat, Nathan Araghi from House Brandeis, and Jared Silberberg from House Ramon. The champions faced off in a final match on September 25th where Ezri triumphed as the Milken Homecoming Ping Pong Champion, earning the coveted prize of free breakfast burritos every week from Student Government. The exhilaration reached its peak on September 26th when Ezri faced off against Rabbi Saiger, the faculty champion, in the Amphitheater.
Spirit Week kicked off with themed dress-up days that encouraged participation and creativity. Monday was Sports Day, where students donned their favorite sports gear and participated in balloon dart games for House points. Tuesday transformed the campus into a lively scene with Country Club vs. Country Day, inviting students to dress preppy or in cowboy-style while engaging in “Pin the Tail on the Wildcat.”
“The Country vs. Country Club day was a huge success,” noted David McNamara (‘25). Wednesday’s Neon Day dazzled with vibrant colors as students played cornhole for House points. Finally, Thursday brought everyone together in blue and white / Kachol V’Lavan, with face painting and temporary tattoos available to show off school spirit before the big game.
The much-anticipated Carnival kicked off at 5 PM, featuring a plethora of games, delicious kosher food options, and entertainment for all ages. Highlights included a dunk tank where students had the chance to dunk beloved teachers such as Mr. Mendez and Rabbi Shawn, much to the delight of their peers. The carnival buzzed with energy as families and friends gathered to enjoy the festivities.
Dr. Shulkind described the atmosphere of the game perfectly, saying, “I could immediately feel the energy. There was Israeli music; kids were singing and dancing; the cheerleaders were going; there was lots of ruach.”
Before the varsity football game, the Middle School held its own Blue vs. White flag football game, fostering mentorship and camaraderie among the younger students. Coach Elliot Turner remarked, “It was like a ‘big brother – little brother’ relationship,” referring to the connections formed during the Middle School game. The anticipation continued to build as families filled the stands for the high school game, with the Wildcats taking on Desert Christian at 7 PM, under the lights of Birmingham High School.
Despite the loss to Desert Christian, the sense of community and support felt notable. The Wildcats showcased determination and teamwork, embodying the spirit of resilience for which Milken stands. Coach Turner praised his team’s efforts, stating, “The resilience we showed in the second half was remarkable. We came together and played our hearts out.” During halftime, the senior football players and their families were honored for their hard work and commitment as they received a framed action shot of a memorable moment during the season.
The cheerleading team added to the atmosphere with dynamic performances while the vocal groups Koleinu and Kol Echad filled the air with uplifting songs, creating a memorable experience for all attendees. The event saw over 1,000 attendees, making it the highest attended Homecoming in Milken history. The camaraderie extended beyond the game, as alumni legacy families celebrated alongside current students, creating a sense of continuity and belonging within the Milken community.
Milken’s Homecoming 2024 was not just a celebration of sports and spirit; it was a testament to the strength of the community and the bonds formed through shared experiences. Mr. Lindsay emphasized, “When you walk into the stadium, it really feels like a big game… it’s an awesome representation of the community.”
With enthusiastic participation in Spirit Week, engaging competitions, a thrilling carnival, and a spirited football game, this year’s Homecoming reinforced the essence of what it means to be a Milken Wildcat.
As we reflect on this year’s festivities, we look forward to continuing these cherished traditions in the years to come united by our pride and love for our school.
