Hononegah welcomes  students, staff, parents and Administration at Purple and Gold Festival

As music played in the background excitement  mounted in anticipation of the 2026 Purple and Gold Festival on Thursday, August 20 at Hononegah Community High School. 

Gracing the  outside of the field  house was a stunning balloon display that was fully decorated with football shaped balloons, commemorating a new school year. 

The concession stand was opened, along with the Bear Grounds coffee truck. 

The Hononegah Booster Club offered a nice variety of spirit wear  and offered  different levels of Booster Club memberships.  

Action started inside where volleyball games were played in the field house. 

Following these games energy ramped up on Kelsey field where a  fierce, but respectful  competition took place in soccer and flag football games. 

Teams lined up and were ready to make an entrance onto Kelsey Field.

PA announcer Jeff Schelling gave a play by play of the evening’s event. 

Schelling recognized student athletes from the last school year who  earned and brought home an “All Sports Trophy.”

A supportive crowd cheered loudly as the Hononegah marching band led the way during  an energetic parade.

Walking in behind the band were cheerleaders, dance teams, and sports teams. 

Sports teams who were represented were Varsity, and sophomore football, golf, track, volleyball, flag football, boys and girls swimming, boys and girls cross country, soccer, tennis and Rugby. 

Princess Hononegah Maddison Smith performed an eye-catching routine for the first time this year.

Students, alumni and staff joined in singing the school song. 

The HCHS marching band performed our National Anthem  with great precision. 

All veterans or those who have served our country stood to receive respect and recognition. 

Schelling said, “Once an Indian, always an Indian” before  asking everyone to welcome home Superintendent Dr. Ehern Jarrett.

“It is great to be back with the greatest fans, the greatest students section, and the best school in the NIC 10, and maybe even the state of Illinois, it is such an honor to be back, “Jarrett said. 

“I was a teacher, thePrincipal and a basketball coach here. I am grateful that we are honoring these athletes tonight and to the Board of Education for allowing me to come back to this place because I know how truly special it really is.”

Hononegah Board of Education President Mr. Dave Kurlinkus welcomed everybody back. He was accompanied by his grandson Grey who is a future graduate of the Class of 2039.  

“I want to remind everybody that this is truly a community school, a community effort. 

We have the best high school around here, not just athletically. We are honoring these athletes  on the field  tonight but we need to remember what happens in that building. This is where we prepare our future leaders, this is where the best teachers are.”

Kurlinkus added, “We have the best facility, the best cheering section. Thank you all for coming out tonight and for supporting Hononegah Community High School.”

HCHS Principal Chad Dougherty sent a positive message, giving a warm welcome back to everybody. He recognized all teachers plus  the Building and Grounds Team. “When we came back into the building it was immaculate, “Dougherty said.

Dougherty gave a special note of thanks to the Booster Club for all of their support. He added a special comment about the pork chops offered by the Booster Club.

Dougherty added, At Hononegah we are one. We believe that one student, one staff member, one act of kindness can make a difference.”

Dougherty introduced the Administrative team,  the Board of Education,  Athletic Director of the Year Mr. Andrew Walters, new certified staff members, and once an Indian, always an Indian,  Billy Lewis. 

Lewis, who is a 1999 HCHS graduate, is now the Director of Strategy, Continuous Improvement and Human Resources at HCHS. 

Dougherty instructed parents and students on the challenge of chanting the words, “Purple and Gold” as loudly as possible. 

Students chose to be gold leaving parents holding the distinction of being on the  purple side.  

Dougherty led with the words, “We Are.” with a reply of “Hononegah.”

The  words “We are One”, with the response “Hononegah” rang out in the stands. 

Rounding out a full evening of celebration  all levels of cheerleaders,  JV Dance, and the Indianettes who each executed electrifying routines.  

All were welcomed back in memorable style at the 2026 Purple and Gold Festival!