Purple and Gold celebrated the new school year, blending in special moments.

Purple and Gold balloons adorned the entrance to Hononegah Community High School on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, welcoming everyone to the 31st annual Purple and Gold Festival.

Earlier in the evening, volleyball games were played inside the field house. Outdoor action started with soccer and girls' flag football.

As loud cheering commenced, sports teams, the HCHS marching band, dance teams, and cheerleaders paraded onto Kelsey Field after each was announced by PA announcer Jeff Schelling.

The HCHS marching band pumped up the excitement as they entered.

The sports teams represented included boys and girls golf, track, Varsity and sophomore football, Flag Football, boys and girls swimming, boys and girls cross country, volleyball, soccer, and tennis.

Outgoing Superintendent Michael Dugan thanked everyone for coming to the event. “We have done campus renovations over the last several years. These renovations began in the classrooms. We have significantly improved our athletic facilities, and we have the top educational facilities in the region".

This is my last year as the Superintendent. I came in 2018. It has been my pleasure to hand out 3,825 diplomas.”

Dugan recognized his wife, Angela, and his boys. “I had the unique privilege of watching students grow up, but my three boys as well. I remember the day that each received their diplomas. I am so proud to see them thriving today in post-secondary pursuits. I am so grateful for the role this school has played in their lives", Dugan said.

“This community, this staff means so much to me and my family. I am genuinely grateful for every moment, for every memory”.

For over a century, Hononegah Community High School has been the bedrock of our community, a place where generations were prepared for success. Our legacy is built on academic excellence, it has earned us State and National recognition.

We were just notified this week that we were ranked 44th in the state out of 679 high schools in Illinois by US News.

We anticipate being in the top 40 next year.

The athletic championships fill our trophy showcases, and the exceptional fine arts programs showcase the students' incredible talent, further enhancing the great experience here at Hononegah.

These achievements fill me with immense pride, and I hope they do the same for you as well.

I wish nothing but the very best for this town and the school's continued success. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support and dedication of this community, which has been instrumental in all of these achievements,” Dugan said.

Board President Dave Kurlinkus opened his remarks by saying, “What do you think of the football field? For everybody that worked hard on this to get ready for the football season I think it is appropriate that we have the best field and we have the best fans, and the best community in the NIC-10.”

Kurlinkus introduced his grandson Grey.” I bring him here with me to make sure that we all remember that we are not just here for the people on the field, we are here for the people coming up and aren't even yet born. He is going to be a member of the Class of 2039.

This is a great place. Hononegah is a special place because of the community, because of the parents. We have great students and great teachers, and a great administration. This is a terrific educational institution.”

Kurlinkus added, “We are here tonight to honor all of these students who are participating in sports and band and a whole bunch more that aren't out here. These are student athletes, there is a reason they are not referred to as athlete students, they are students first."

“We have great kids; without great kids, we are not going to have success. We have the best student cheering section in the conference. Let's go, Indians"!

Principal Chad Dougherty welcomed everyone before thanking the Student Body students who did an amazing job a couple of Fridays ago, welcoming the class of 2029 to HCHS.

We are off to a great start! Dougherty said.

“We have state-of-the-art facilities, we have state-of-the-art education, it is because of your support that we are able to do this.

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

Staff members stood to be recognized. “You are the reason kids are inspired every single day,” Dougherty said.

Dougherty introduced members of the Board of Education and the Booster Club for their service, dedication, and the pork chops.

Introductions of Administration and new Certified Staff members followed.

Dougherty encouraged everyone to join the Booster Club and participate in its various events.

Special thanks were given to Athletic Director Mr. Andrew Walters for organizing the Purple and Gold Festival.

“Last year we transitioned from the SAT to the ACT, last year we had four perfect scores”, Dougherty stated.

Dougherty led in a friendly competition with students chanting “Gold,” and parents were “Purple.” It was determined that this year ended in a tie, though the students debated that decision.

Keeping the momentum going Dougherty said, “ I believe that we will win. He then started the crowd yelling. We are, " with a response from the crowd of “Hononegah.”

Princess Hononegah Haven Schmidt performed for the first time this year.

The HCHS Marching band performed our National Anthem with perfection. Everyone joined in singing the school song.

All those who has served our country stood to receive respect and recognition.

A moving tribute in loving memory of Steve Cofoid honored his life and time at Hononegah. 

Rounding out a full evening of festive fun were energetic routines performed by all levels of cheerleaders and the JV Dance, followed by freshmen and sophomore football scrimmages and a scrimmage against Byron.