Decorations, costumes, games, rallies—it's possibly the most celebrated time of the year: Homecoming. Most students plan their costumes after the theme is unveiled, but for the Student Executive Council (SEC), Homecoming planning starts before any students even fill the halls.

Weeks before school begins, all members of the SEC attend a two day retreat to discuss the theme. "Everyone just throws out ideas and we write them down," senior Secretary Julie Ming said. "We then narrow them down by voting." Each potential theme is elaborated on to include the specific class costume theme possibilities each day. "It's really hard to come up with an overall theme that encompasses four day themes which each encompass a class theme for dress up," Ming said.

For junior Special Events Commissioner Scott Baer, overseeing the entire production of Homecoming is one of his biggest responsibilities. During the year, his main role is to come up with school wide events that will spur student participation, but around the time of Homecoming, his duties increase dramatically. "I plan what each member in SEC has to do and I make sure they follow through by the deadline given," Baer said. "[These] jobs include planning all of the Homecoming games [and] getting the court cars." Baer then creates a master calendar which includes all of the tasks and deadlines that must be met.

Each member of the SEC has a specific task that he or she received a few weeks ago. Diversity Commissioners Bertie Cannon, Ahmad Fayad and TK Yilma are in charge of the Homecoming court voting, while Ming must create an agenda for the entire week.

While Baer plans and oversees many aspects of Homecoming set-up, he also helps facilitate the many events. The entire process starts in August takes a significant amount of time. "I help supervise the Night Rally and half-time at the football game," he said. "I predict I will spend about 90 hours planning it based on previous years and the goals that I have set," Baer said.

Though the importance of the SEC has previously been questioned, each member plays a vital role to the activities that happen on campus. "Not only do we plan all of the social events, but we work with the administration, the clubs and we contribute to the well being of the community," Baer said.

Ming agrees that the effort of SEC is important and should be recognized. "So much work goes into every event at school," she said. "It's like planning a birthday party for 2000 people."

To witness the SEC at work, Baer suggested that students "come to our open meetings that we have so you can get a better understanding of what we do."