Hononegah: Homecoming in the Fast Lane
Homecoming 2024 was one to remember as students gave back to their community.
Artwork covered windows of businesses in downtown Rockton on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, starting a whole week of Homecoming fun while making memories at Hononegah Community High School.
Each window displayed a special artistic flair and messages of support for the HCHS Indians football teams.
The judges awarded prizes for the best window in each class. The sophomore class earned top honors, followed by the senior class. The junior class won third place, and the freshman class ranked fourth.
In the club competition, The Page Turners Club came in first place. The cheer team took second place, GSA came in third, and the math team finished fourth.
The junior class earned first place with their artistic talents in banner making. The senior class took second place, freshmen came in third place, and sophomores landed fourth.
Each day of the week, students had a specific theme for dressing up. On Friday, the options were biker, denim, or leather vs. surfer. On Monday, students wore band shirts or dressed like an album cover.
On Tuesday, students carried their belongings in "anything but a backpack" or chose to dress like Adam Sandler.
Wednesday had the theme of "rhythm without reason." Costumes such as "hot mess—a wedding dress" and "fairy and dairy" exemplified this theme and exceeded expectations.
The paired looks ranged from a flapper and a rapper, a Christmas tree and a degree, a flamingo and a tennis pro, along with western styles, classy looks of Audrey Hepburn, and many other imaginative ensembles.
Thursday was Class Color Day, and Friday saw a sea of purple and gold.
On Tuesday evening, the Tri-M Honors Society presented a spectacular talent show at the HCHS Performing Arts Center. The event featured fourteen acts, including vocal performances, model car racing, dancing, drumming, piano playing, and painting.
After delivering a stunning vocal performance, Samantha Dietrich was named the winner. Donations collected in different jars, one for each performer, determined the winner.
The HCHS Student Council collaborated with the Tri-M Music Honor Society and used the over $350 raised from the talent show to create "Kits for Kids" activity bags for pediatric patients at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford. In addition, generous donations allowed the collection of a full shopping cart of non-perishable food for the Old Stone Church Food Pantry.
Clash of the Classes brought out the best in friendly competition on Kelsey Field. Teams competed against each other in potato sack races, a dizzy relay, table surfing, and tug of war, with the senior class emerging as the overall winner.
The junior class received second place in the competition and were commended for their valiant effort. The sophomores secured third place, and the freshmen came in fourth. The Renaissance Club and the Student Council organized the Clash of the Classes.
The HCHS Girls Flag Football team gave their all in a game against Guilford, ending in an unfortunate loss on Thursday night.
Following the games was a super-sized bonfire using 65 pallets.
Friday morning sparked excitement as a pep rally showcased cheer, dance, athletes, the marching band, and the revealing of the 2024 Homecoming Court.
Karley Weber and Malachi Sandlin were elected as freshman class representatives. Addison Tews and Kyson Schwartz represented the sophomore class. Paige Ciembronowicz and Tyler Stewart were elected to represent the junior class. The senior class was represented by Alexander Alberstett, Kaleigh Black, Shane Dotson, Payton Harris, Maximus Haskins, Alyssa Person, Cale Walls, and Chloie Riesen. Owen Bock and Jordyn Golden were crowned this year's Homecoming King and Queen.
The court was introduced during the fourth quarter of the sophomore football game, as well as at the dance, along with their families.
Spectators lined the streets on Friday evening to watch a spirited parade, including the Homecoming Court, marching band, clubs, and around 35 alumni.
Leading off alumni were four walkers. Classes of alumni spanned from 1945 up to 2003.
Members of the Class of 1969 who were celebrating their 55th class reunion carried a custom-made banner reading, "Go Hononegah Indians."
Three members of the Class of 1994 rode in style down the parade route. Their vehicle displayed a sign with a special message: "HonONEgah, In loving memory of Our Forever Classmates Robbie Comp, 1975-1992, and Todd Griffith, 1976-2016—dial 988."
Mr. Lawyer, once again, was the mastermind behind the scenes of organizing the parade. His dedication over the years is greatly appreciated, with this being his final parade.
At the end of the parade, participants returned to Hononegah, where the administration treated alumni to sandwiches, chips, cookies, and beverages in the HCHS library.
Under a nice tent, the Booster Club welcomed many to a Tribe Tailgate party, which allowed fun times to roll with special seating for both the sophomore and junior varsity football games.
The food served was from the Hoffman House, followed by dessert from the Dairyhaus and an assortment of beverages. All the money raised from the tailgate party will benefit the Rosik Family scholarship.
Students donned minion costumes during the football games, and the junior varsity team won against Guilford with a score of 35-0.
Students and guests filled the field house to "Dance in the Fast Lane" on Saturday night.
Eye-catching decorations came to life through the talented hands of Ali Haab.
As an extra bonus, Fast Line Live invited everyone to tune in to Hononegah's Instagram story for coverage of students entering the dance. The story featured Mrs. Krahl and Mrs. Norberg.
Advisors, staff, and the HCHS administration worked together, joined by students, to ensure that the 2024 Homecoming was one to remember.
