As the nerves of the first weeks of school die down, Homecoming makes a quick return into the 2023-2024 school year. Students at BAHS counted down the days until they could dance the night away on September 30.
The school week leading up to the dance, September 25-29, is known as Spirit Week. Spirit week is when students and teachers show off their raider pride by dressing up for spirit days. Monday, September 25, was Pajama Day. Students and teachers came to school in comfy clothes. Tuesday, September 26, was Barbies versus Kens. The boys dressed up in their best Ken outfits and the girls showed up in their best Barbie outfits. There was a lot of pink in school that day. Wednesday, September 27, was Western Wednesday. Everyone wore cowboy boots, hats, and flannel jackets. Thursday, September 28, was barbeque dads versus soccer moms. Boys wore aprons and girls wore leggings and tight jackets. Lastly, Friday, September 29, was white out.
The Homecoming Parade was on Thursday, September 28, starting at 6 p.m. Many people enjoy attending and viewing the parade. Bellefonte sport teams, emergency service teams, local community groups, class floats, and more participated during the parade.
This year’s Miss Bellefonte, senior Kate Harman, was one of the participants during the parade.
“It’s an honor to be able to represent the high school as Miss Bellefonte this year,” Kate said.
Every class this year had a float following a theme which this year was board games.
The 2024 Senior Class chose Candy Land. They had colored squares mimicking the game squares on the side of their float and everyone was dressed up as the characters on the game board.
The junior class of 2025 designed their float as Monopoly game. They had a large game board cut out of the actual Monopoly game, along with balloons, and a jail cell on their float. A student was even dressed as a prisoner.
The sophomore class of 2026 created a Jumanji float. They had fake plants and dressed up as the characters and animals.
The class of 2027, Bellefonte’s freshman’s first float of their high school experience was Clue. They made their float like a real life game board, and everyone dressed up as the colors of the game pieces.
The Homecoming game started at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 29. The theme for the student section was White Out, and Bellefonte fans of all ages wore white to show their raider pride. Bellefonte played against their rival Bald Eagle, who at the time were having an undefeated season. Unfortunately, Bellefonte lost with a score of 7-55. That didn’t stop Bellefonte’s excitement for the dance the next day.
During halftime, the runner ups and Homecoming King and Queen were announced. First runner up couple were seniors Leah VonGunden and Owen Hendershot. The second runner up couple were seniors Jacob Corman and Alyssa Hopkins. Then finally, the couple taking the title as Homecoming king and queen were seniors, Catherine Reed and Joshua Brown. Catherine had a memorable night when she won the title of Homecoming Queen. She enjoyed running for Homecoming court with her friends and shared how it never felt like they were running against each other, but with each other. They all did the best they could to give everyone a fair chance.
“I was very excited to share this experience with Josh. We have been together for a very long time, and it was just a very happy and special moment that we shared. I also appreciate everyone who voted for me, and for my friends. I wouldn’t change anything about this experience, I truly had an amazing time,” Catherine said.
The dance was held on Saturday, September 30 at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria. There were disco lights, strobe lights, and fairy lights all around the room. Students had a great time although it was hot in the cafeteria, due to the heat radiating off of all the students and not much airflow.
Junior Lauren Warefield enjoyed the dance as it was one of her favorite dances she’s been to so far.
“I actually had a lot of fun this year with all my friends at Homecoming. The DJ this year was really good, and even though everyone was sweating so much, it was still really fun. Laughing and dancing with my friends was the highlight of my week,” Lauren said.
Overall, Bellefonte students had an eventful Homecoming week this year.
