SHS celebrates circus-themed homecoming

The circus/carnival themed homecoming turned out to be more like these chaotic themes than anticipated as the parade route changed and the events were later in the year than usual bringing darkness on before events were finished.

Band junior Aimee McCulley enjoyed marching during the parade even though it was a new, longer route took place.

“Even though my feet were sore at the end, it was well worth it due to the fact that people enjoyed our music and had fun getting pepped up by us,” McCulley said.

The spirit days took an unexpected turn as student council forgot the music for Monday’s spirit day. Tuesday was “Sock It To the Wolves Day” followed by “Wigged Out Wednesday” and “Cage the Wolves or Stripe Day” on Thursday.

“I love spirit days because you see which students that actually make an effort for the school,” junior class President Vanessa Torres said. “Plus, I just enjoy participating in them myself.”

The parade took the junior class to victory winning $200 for its entry which included a light-up ferris wheel. The freshmen took second with giant popcorn and cotton candy displays winning $150, while the seniors took third and $100 with a caged Dalhart Wolf.

Junior Kolt Blackmon worked on the float during the week and said the junior class deserved to win the contest.

“The junior class showed the most spirit throughout the float,” Blackmon said. “We worked very hard which allowed us to come out on top.”

After the parade, crowds gathered at the bonfire which was held at Gaines County Park for the second year. Senior Sierra Talamantes enjoyed the time spent with her class.

“I was sad when the bonfire ended because it is the last one I will attend as a senior,”  Talamantes said.  “I don’t know if I will see the members of my class again after graduation. I don’t know where we will be in 10 years, and I will just miss it so much.”

On Oct. 3, the classes of 2005 and 2025 were special guests at the pep rally where the homecoming court of freshman Celene Diaz, sophomore Madeline Hiebert, junior Tori Acosta and seniors April Davis, Brooke McCormick and Susan Reimer were introduced.

“I look forward to homecoming because both of my sisters come home to visit us,” junior Haylie Hicks said. “It is also great to feel a sense of pride for your school when the exes come back.”

Student council president from 2005, Jason Strickland, gave the keynote address at the pep rally, giving advice to future graduates on how to make their lives more successful. Strickland is working on his PhD at University of Central Florida in the study of venemous snakes.

The junior class was given the spirit award after the battle cry at the pep rally. Junior Daniel Griffin said that the juniors had tons of spirit attributing to their win that day.

“It is because we actually care,” Griffin said,  “and we participate while being loud and having a blast. We deserved that win because we are loud, excited and just having a good time like we always do.”

Later that evening Reimer was crowned as queen by 2013 Queen Morgan Jones at halftime of the football game.

“I was very shocked to some extent when I was crowned queen,” Reimer said.  “Even though I was shocked, I was very honored and proud to be crowned queen at our school.”

Perhaps the only disappointment came as the Dalhart Wolves defeated the Indians, 28-10. Senior lineman Kyle Rickman saw positive influences even though the Indians did not come out on top.

“I thought that even though we lost, it was a great game overall,”  Rickman said. “We worked our hardest and did the best to our ability, and homecoming was great that day.”