Hononegah Community High School gave back through 2023 Homecoming events

Hononegah High School's 2023 Homecoming Week began on Oct. 10. Community outreach and helping others remained at the forefront of the 2023 Homecoming as partnerships were formed with the heart to help others.

The tradition of window painting continued on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, two weeks before the official start of the 2023 Homecoming.

Over 25 clubs added artistic flair to windows of downtown Rockton businesses.  The junior class cleaned the windows as a way to raise money for prom.

Students adopted a Barbie theme for Homecoming 2023 due to the popularity of the movie.

As a prelude, on Thursday Oct. 5, Tropical Barbie and Ken Day led to lots of fun outfits.

Tuesday was “Sleepover Barbie and Ken Day” where pajamas were the day's fashion.

Wednesday the “Disco Barbie and Ken Day” saw an array of 70's styles.

“School Spirit Barbie and Ken Day” meant that students wore the school colors of purple and gold on Friday.

Weeklong events started with Tuesday night activities.

The Senior Student Council and Student Council Executive Board under the leadership of Paige Breyer and Molly Hughes led a student driven pep rally for the whole student body that raised school spirit and was a huge hit with everyone.

The Student Council introduced the Homecoming Court during the rally.

The 2023 Homecoming Court had 16 students in it.

• Class of 2027 - Brody Sendele and Addison Tews.
• Class of 2026- Greyson Garcia, and Addison Russo.
• of 2025- Alexander Alberstett and Leah Valderrama.
• Class of 2024- Zander Koch, Jake Lester, Seth Newman, Matthew Sherry, Savannah Alfaro, Paige Bryer, Molly Hughes and Miranda Smith.

Drake Broege and Braeden Parker were crowned as Co-Kings. Co-Queens were Amelia Tallman and Khali Gustafson.

Girls played Powderpuff football games on Tuesday evening. Sophomores earned a win over the freshmen in a 32-6 game. Seniors and juniors both won, in a tied game with a 14-14 score.

“Renaissance Club would like to thank everyone who came out and supported the Powderpuff games,” Renaissance Club sponsor Mrs. Beaulieu said.

Beaulieu called the Senior-Junior game, “very physical and very competitive.”

“I would like to give a big shout out to Mrs. Eiss, Mrs. Chapetta, Mr. Martin and Mr. Cheney for supervising the teams. We couldn't do it without your help,” Beaulieu added.

Due to great support, the Renaissance Club raised over $1,000 for childhood cancer research.

Following the Powderpuff games,  the Student Council sponsored a bonfire, which used 60 pallets.

Wednesday was a Club and Activities night.

Thursday evening's “Hononegah's Got Talent” had 15 acts which included singing, drummer  Niko Rojas, remote control car tricks, dancing, a piano solo by Cal Kramper and more. As in previous years, the show was organized by the Tri-M Music Honor Society and the HCHS Student Council.

Emcees Olivia Simpson and Gail Hatch kept everything flowing smoothly while interjecting funny jokes and trivia questions between acts.

The audience chose winners by placing donations in the jars representing their favorite acts. Alex Durham earned the first place spot with his fun and catchy dance moves. Kelly Hernandez was the runner up with her stunning rendition of Bruno Mars's “When I was Your Man.”

Students and attendees of the show filled a full grocery cart with food to be donated to the Old Stone Church Food Pantry.

Students raised over $360 to be given to the organization “Kits for Kids,” a program that is run through Swedish American Hospital where welcome bags are given to children who are admitted.

During the third hour, a pep assembly displayed the best of HCHS spirit. Varsity cheer and dance teams wowed with high energy and skilled routines.

Unfortunately, Friday's rain resulted in the cancellation of the parade. But HCHS alumni came together inside the school library. Former students reminisced about old times and caught up on the present day.

HCHS treated alumni to sandwiches from Jimmy Johns, chips, pasta salad and beverages.

Alumni gathered for a photo, capturing long time friendships while making a new memory.

Prior to the parade's cancellation, classes had painted banners for the parade. The classes also had fun decorating the entryways in the school.

Outside, football games were played on Friday evening, on Oct. 13. The Indians won with a score of 49-6 against Belvidere, securing a spot in the playoffs. Fifty eight seniors who have participated in football, band, dance and cheer programs were recognized for being part of these sports or activities.

Student Council worked with the Key Club as part of the “Pink Out” at the Belvidere North game to raise over $1,000 in school and at the game coin blitz. This will be donated to cancer research.

Homecoming festivities concluded on Saturday evening , Oct. 14 where 1,400 students came to “Dance the Night Away.”

Staying true to the overall theme, the dance displayed life-size Barbie photo frames, a Barbie booth and other stunning backdrops to help students capture the action in pictures. DJ “Josh Fired Up” spun tunes as dancers hit the floor to show their moves.

HCHS faculty and staff who planned and activities and events (in addition to those previously mentioned) were Mr. Lawyer, Mr. Lee, Mrs. Plourde and Mrs. Broege. Special thanks to each one for making this Homecoming one to remember.