UT Arlington: The Maverick Homecoming Experience

Every year UT Arlington has a homecoming game to celebrate and cheer on the Mavericks men's basketball team. This year’s game was extremely exciting because not only was it going to be my second basketball game but it was my last homecoming game as an undergraduate. UT Arlington celebrates homecoming by hosting events like The Distinguished Alumni Awards, The Step Show, The Bash, The Chili Cook off, Street Festival, Pep Rally, just to name a few. In addition to these events UT Arlington hosts other events to ensure that their students and attending alumni get a chance to show their “Maverick Pride”

School Spirit

UT Arlington Homecoming 2014, College Park Center

At UT Arlington to have “Maverick Pride” is more than just being a student of faculty member. It is supporting athletic events, wearing UT Arlington apparel and having a good time while you do it. Throughout the entire homecoming week students dress up in the orange and blue to show that we support of school and enjoy attending UT Arlington. I didn’t own a blue and orange shirt until I became a Maverick. To me UT Arlington is more than just a university because I have build value relationships, friendships and have shared in the “Maverick Pride” experience.

 The Experience

I spoke with several people leading up to the big Homecoming game against Houston Baptist because I wanted to see if others were just as excited as I was. Some said, “Yes I’m going I can’t wait.”While others showed very little excitement. I understood their logic that the men’s basketball team didn’t win last year which made them not want to go this year. Granted, they did indeed lose the homecoming game last year but I was willing to go and support the team. Whether or not they were going to win wasn’t a factor that was going to deter me from supporting my school. 

The Big Game

UT Arlington Homecoming Game, College Park Center 

When I woke up Saturday morning I found out that some events that I was looking forward to like the pep rally, street festival and parade had to be altered due to the extreme weather conditions. The pep rally and parade are crucial before the game because they prepare the players and audience for the game. I didn't think that it would have the same effect because it was moved inside but people still seemed to enjoy themselves. As I walked into the College Park Center there was such an excitement in the atmosphere.

Royal blue, orange and white colors were everywhere and if you didn't wear any of these colors you probably felt out of place. I was surrounded by all the UT Arlington student athletes and their energy added to my excitement.  The music was playing, neon blue and orange lights were flash as the announcer introduced the men’s basketball team. The crowd was so involved in singing the UT Arlington fight song and cheering on our men’s basketball team

Ultimately, the Mavericks men’s basketball team won by at least 20 points and I was very happy with the outcome. I look forward to coming back to the homecoming game and festivities as an alumnus. I am and will always be a UT Arlington Maverick. Mav up!

The Creative Arts Theatre & School in Arlington,Texas

Background

The Creative Arts Theatre & School (CATS) was started in the summer of 1978 under the direction Zachary and Kathey Ward who were both professional performers and educators at the time. Zachary and Kathey Ward started CATS with the desire to inspire and motivate youth who were interested in pursuing their passion for arts. This program provides more than just skills to pass an exam, it is a place where youth can discover their destiny. CATS is a non-profit organization that focuses on developing the potential of youth from diverse backgrounds through performing arts training and performance opportunities. Rather than a traditional classroom setting, CATS introduces a new dynamic way for youth to express themselves while learning.

Why CATS?

Think back to when you were in elementary or middle school. Did you enjoy your school? During this time parents made decisions for you. For many parents education is first and talents are secondary. When choosing a school for your child the curriculum is very important but sometimes the extracurricular activities are overlooked. Children not only need a strong educational foundation but also need to be stimulated in things such as theater. Often children that are in public schools aren't able to participate in things such as acting or theater unless it is within an after school program or in a private setting.

Let your child dream

Children like to dream. They dream about becoming the president of the United States of America, doctors, lawyers, actors and actress; they just like to dream. Dreaming is a great thing but your child's dream can actually come true one day with the help of CATS. For children that aren't from affluent background things such as taking acting classes or singing lessons may not be feasible. With the help of people like Heather Simmons, Executive Director of CATS, children don't have to feel restricted from doing what they enjoy while developing performance skills. CATS caters to but not limited to Arlington students who have the desire to excel in things such as ballet, music theater and dance; to name a few. With programs like this children are more likely to become excited about learning and in turn are more successful. Regardless of what your child has aspirations of becoming there are programs established to ensure there that goal is attainable.

What does your child aspire to be?

How are you helping him/her reach that goal?