On Sept. 4, the Student Executive Council (SEC) held its first assembly of the school year. The hour-long assembly consisted of two parts: the former was a tribute to Albert Hopkins and the latter consisted of an introduction to the SEC, counselors, administrative staff, skits about school policies and the revealing of the Homecoming theme.

Senior Molly Babbington and junior Monica Alcazar spoke about Hopkins and the widespread influence he had on the Gunn community. "Mr. Hopkins was unique; he didn't teach through textbooks... but through simple, profound advice, and the way he lived his life," Alcazar said. A series of slides followed the speeches, depicting different aspects of Hopkins' life. Hopkins, who had been the Academic Center coordinator for the past five years, died June 30 when he collapsed from a heart attack while playing basketball at Stanford University. He was 63 years old.

Further plans to engrave Hopkins' legacy on campus include planting a tree with a plaque honoring him and his service to Gunn, installing a bench for student and staff use in his name and collecting money for a scholarship toward the post-secondary education of a needy student that will be awarded in his honor. Those interested in contributing to any of Hopkins' memorial projects can drop off a check in the main office made payable to Gunn High School, Albert Hopkins Memorial.

The second part of the assembly began with the introduction of the 2007-2008 SEC members, the administration staff and guidance counselors. SEC members then performed short skits about the main points of school policies. Afterwards, the cheerleading team performed and the video revealing the Homecoming theme was shown. Senior Kaitie Macknick, the SEC videographer, filmed the movie during the school year, both after school and on weekends.

This year's theme is Entertainment Weekly. The festivities will be held during the week of Oct. 1-6. Dress up day themes will include "Lights, Camera, Action, Curtain!" (class colors), "What's on" (television), "Curtain Call" (theater), "Feature Presentation" (movies) and Gunn pride.

Assembly preparations included an SEC retreat Aug. 24-25 to decide the Homecoming theme and dress up days.

Senior Student Body President Max Keeler reminds students not to worry about trivial matters like points or the perfect costume. "Dress up days aren't that important," he said. "People should focus more on the true spirit of Homecoming, which is to have fun."