Homecoming '68 has been filed away with Homecomings of the past, but for many people, memories of this year's Homecoming will linger on.

Homecoming Week started off with the annual float building. The Freshman float was built at Laurie Feltz’, the Sophomore float was at Debbie Wojak's, the Junior float at Chris Clausen's, the Senior float at Laurie Schueler's, Pep Club's at Val Martin's, and the Thespian Society's float at Jet Rent‑A‑Car.

The spirit of Homecoming really got started with the nominations of the Homecoming Court. The Junior and Senior homerooms each nominated one girl. These girls were placed on a ballot and the juniors and seniors voted again. The nine girls with the most votes were the Homecoming Court. During the morning assemblies, the whole school voted for these girls.

On Friday school was over early for an all‑school pep rally. Although the pep rally was originally scheduled to be held outdoors, it was held in the auditorium because of the poor weather. The Pom‑Pon Squad, Twirlers, Frosh‑Soph, J.V., and Varsity cheerleaders demonstrated their skills by leading several cheers. For the first time, the Class of '70 won the competition cheer.

Mr. Bill Barringer, cross country coach, talked about the cross country team and introduced Al Schank '69, who introduced the returning lettermen. Carolyn Hummel '69, rally chairman, then introduced Mr. Ken Olson, football coach, who spoke of the varsity football team. John Salerno '69 introduced the returning lettermen.

Saturday's events began with a parade through downtown Des Plaines. The Homecoming Parade, combined with the Des Plaines Sesquicentennial parade, lasted about an hour.

The winning floats were announced between the sophomore and varsity football games. The Freshman Class float, "Sink Deerfield," captured first place with the Junior Class float, "Fort Deerfield Massacre," and the Senior Class float, "The Signals Say Win," taking second and third places respectively.

Other floats entered were the Sophomore float, "Maine West Will Celebrate a Winning State," Pep Club's "On West's Victory Trail" and the Thespian Society's "NO Matter How You Say It‑West Is Best."

The main attraction during half‑time was the announcement of the Homecoming Queen. The Homecoming Court composed of seniors Vera Binotti, Donna DcFranco, Donna Ellwanger, Nancy Hower, Jo Hynes, Sandy Lauffenburger, Debbie Mateling, Jo Schaefer, and Jenny Schmeissing were assembled with their escorts, Bob Moehling, Bob Glitz, Han Wahl, Marc Forkins, Bill Markworth, Steve Baenzinger, Rick Lucente, Bob Aulert, and Tom Barrett respectively.

Two past Homecoming Queens, Pat Silk '65 and Carole Hway '67, were announced and presented. Last year's Queen, Carole Hway, presented a bouquet of white roses to this year's Queen, a radiant Donna Ellwanger.

Following the announcement of the Queen, the Maine West Marching Band with Doug Kuite '71 as drum major saluted the Illinois Sesquicentennial. The band formed a birthday cake and spelled out Illinois.

Maine lost the close game with Deerfield by a score of 14‑13.

"The West Returns," the Homecoming dance, was the final event of the busy week. The highlight of the evening was the crowning of Queen Donna Ellwanger. With the help of the crown bearers, Joanne Leis and William Krusinski, Rick Lucente, president of the Senior Class, crowned a very happy Donna.

After the crowning, Queen Donna and her escort led the dancing to a song by The Legends. The Homecoming dance was the ending to Homecoming 1968.

On Monday, October 7, at the City Council meeting, the mayor of Des Plaines awarded a first class ribbon to the Junior Class for their float in the Sesquicentennial Parade. The award was presented to Dave Atkinson, Junior Class president, by Mayor Herbert Behrel.