In honor of Palatine High School celebrating its 150th anniversary, fellow Pirates have been able to celebrate, honoring the year with 150th anniversary T-shirts and even an aerial photo of students during the first day of the school’s celebration.
Let’s take a quick rewind to how PHS students in the 90s took part in their celebration of events such as homecoming and the schools’ positive changes, showcasing how joy has continued throughout its history.
The 90’s was definitely an era that had been shown in Palatine High School yearbooks highlighting student expression in fashion, homecoming, and participation in sports/clubs that still continue even today.
“I think how you dress is a way to express how you feel that day,” PHS alum Katie Malcolm said about her time when she was a freshman in the yearbook of 1991. Even though the ’90s fashion was known for big hair, Z Cavaricci pants, and trench coats, they were trends that meant so much more for students.
Additionally, fashion has continuously allowed students to be expressive with their choice in clothing, showcasing trends and moods throughout the years. Furthermore, since the 90’s, Palatine High School students have been able to express excitement and school spirit by taking part in spirit week. Participants get to plan the outfits for spirit wear days, some of them being Clash Day, Roll-out-of-bed Day, Dress-up Day, and the traditional Red-and-White Day. As a result, these days pass and eventually lead up to the exciting yearly celebration of homecoming.
Over the years, Palatine High School’s homecoming has allowed students to spend time together. Whether it’s with friends or being with your boyfriend or girlfriend, it has given students the ability to go out and have a great time while being well-dressed. During the 90s decade, girls’ attire ranged from fitted black velvet, smooth blue taffeta, and classy black and white polka dot dresses. Meanwhile, boys would mostly wear gray suits, pants, and sweaters.
Adding to the fun, students had a great time listening to 90s music, which consisted of house music, rap, and slow songs, during homecoming night.
While this year’s homecoming theme is “Dancing through the decades,” there have been various themes in the past. For example, some previous homecoming themes for Palatine High School were Pirates Cruise, Dance from the Past, and Just Like Heaven.
These themes allowed students that were a part of the student council to get creative with decoration ideas. Using supplies like stars and streamers for that “Just Like Heaven” theme, pirate hats and swords to resemble the “pirate cruise” theme, and displaying resemblances of many eras for the theme of “Dance from the Past.”
“Student Council did a really good job. The cafeteria looked just like heaven,” PHS alum Tony Lis said on page 17, who was a sophomore in the year 1990.
Furthermore, the Pirates have always been given a space to show off their interest with the varieties of clubs and sports. The extracurricular activities have definitely expanded over the years, but they’ve always allowed students to feel included in PHS.
Back in the 90’s, members from the student council were able to get creative and have their own way of going back in time by hosting the “Soc Hop Time.” The Soc Hop Time was a type of dance that included moves like “the twist.” The event would be hosted in the gymnasium and would feature couples dancing to music by artists like Elvis, The Temptations, and Chuck Berry.
Another way Palatine High School students have been able to have fun is by expressing their creativity through the Harper Area Art Show.
In 1990, it was Harper College’s eighth year preparing the art show that displayed all types of student art. During those times, student art was rarely shown. However, the Harper Area Art Show gave students the opportunity to feel appreciated for their artistic skills. So, not only has Palatine High School created an expansion for students to join many clubs throughout the years, but it has also given them opportunities to showcase their artistic talents.
Additionally, PHS has created an expansion of girls’ sports. At first, the number of girls’ sports during 1990-1992 was only seven. It’s safe to say that there have been a lot of changes over the years. Due to this increase in girls’ sports, it has allowed many to participate in ones that may be considered “boy sports,” giving students an opportunity to do what they are passionate about.
“It usually keeps me from going insane by taking my mind off of actual school work,” PHS alum Chris Maher saidon page 37 from the yearbook of 1992.
Ultimately, the 90s was definitely an era that has been shown through Palatine High School yearbooks with student expression in fashion, homecoming, and participation in sports/clubs that has still been shown over the years. Most of all, it has helped showcase how in Palatine High School, the fun never stops!
