The 2026 WPSD Homecoming Weekend was held September 25-26, 2026, at the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD) campus. The weekend was filled with exciting activities, including an Open House, Homecoming Parade with alumni, Homecoming Crowning, Pep Rally, volleyball and soccer games, and a community block party. What an exciting weekend of festivities for students, families, staff, alumni, and the community!
The Homecoming Parade included about fifteen alumni marching with the WPSD Alumni Association and carrying its own parade banner. In the gym, school performances were presented before the Homecoming Crowning. Three senior boys and two senior girls stood and waited for the announcement of the 2026 Homecoming King and Queen. Congratulations to King Jreem and Queen Anae!
The Pep Rally roared with excitement as athletes were introduced, including the Mighty Mite soccer players, Esports players, volleyball players, and soccer players. The school spirit was strong throughout the gym with the school motto: “Always Remember, Never Forget, WPSD #1!”
Before the games began, DAD’s mobile food truck served food to alumni, staff, and families. It was a wonderful way for everyone to gather, enjoy good food, and celebrate WPSD Homecoming together.
In the gym, WPSD played volleyball against St. Mary’s School for the Deaf (SMSD) from Buffalo, New York, while the WPSD soccer team faced Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (PSD) from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. WPSD defeated SMSD in volleyball, 3-1, while the soccer game ended
in a 3-3 tie.
WPSD then faced PSD in volleyball. PSD won the match, 3-0. VSDB defeated SMSD, 3-2.
After the games, everyone headed home, while the student athletes continued to enjoy the evening at a dance party at WPSD. They were excited to meet other Deaf students and share their experiences about their schools, families, social lives, and many other aspects of Deaf life. The students had a wonderful time together, and the Homecoming celebration continued into the next day with more activities and festivities.
All day Saturday, fans enjoyed watching volleyball games in the gym before heading up to Teegarden Field to watch the soccer games. They then returned to the gym for more volleyball action as the Homecoming tournament continued.
In soccer, WPSD faced the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind (VSDB) and lost, 2-0. Later, VSDB defeated Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (PSD), 4-2.
In volleyball, PSD defeated VSDB, 3-0. WPSD then played VSDB and lost, 3-0. PSD defeated SMSD, 3-2.
What a great display of spirit from two WPSD players! During the volleyball game between WPSD and VSDB, tall Jreem held large blue-and-gold cheerleading pom-poms while shorter Roddy held smaller ones. Together, they cheered enthusiastically for the WPSD girls’ volleyball team.
Even though they had lost their soccer game to VSDB, Jreem and Roddy continued to show their sportsmanship, school spirit, and support for their teammates. They had fun cheering and brought extra energy to the gym. What a wonderful example of WPSD spirit!
In the semifinal round, PSD forfeited WPSD, sending WPSD to the championship game. WPSD then defeated VSDB, 3-1, to win the soccer championship.
In volleyball, WPSD earned third place by defeating SMSD, 3-0. VSDB won the volleyball championship by defeating PSD, 2-1.
The Homecoming weekend brought together athletes, students, families, alumni, and fans for an exciting celebration filled with competition, school spirit, friendship, and sportsmanship.
The Community Block Party was held at the corner of the WPSD campus, across from the Deaf Lutheran Church campus. Many booths offered food, activities, and information about local services and activity centers. One of the highlights was the petting zoo, where children and families could interact with goats, lambs, a llama, a donkey, and a kangaroo. There was plenty of food and fun for everyone to enjoy. It was an exciting experience, especially for the children and their families.
Old and new friends, along with younger and older generations, came together to rekindle friendships, strengthen bonds, and reaffirm their connection to WPSD. The block party brought everyone together in a joyful atmosphere and added another memorable part to the 2026 WPSD Homecoming celebration.
Article written by Stephen Rute, Class of 1974.
