Written By: Delaney Cordes, Staff Writer
LIGHTS: Homecoming ends with football game and crowning of King and Queen.
Homecoming was filled with various lively events for Poly High School: a parade, a carnival, and float building that all led the way to the big football game at the end of the week Saturday night. Poly Pride was in the air with students and families coming out to support the football team that went up against the Paloma Valley Wildcats. The student section was fitted up for the “green out” theme, cheering on and supporting their team.
As halftime approached, all the nominees lined up in sparkly dresses and suits to walk the field while their club was called in anticipation of the crowning for king and queen. When halftime started, Parker DeAnda (12) and Madi Lucero (11) walked out onto the field to announce the float building winner, the top six up for the crown, and the new royalty. For the first time in years, the juniors took the win for best float with the Romeo and Juliet balcony scene and the Jack and Rose iconic ‘flying’ sequence from Titanic. Each of the club nominees were announced, performed a handshake or dance move, and walked the field to their designated spot. Once all the nominees were called, the top six candidates were pulled and placed in the front. They performed an extravagant dance to “Dance the Night” by Dua Lipa before two were crowned by last years’ royalty, Sydnee Salcedo and Josh Lopez. The crowd went absolutely crazy when Football Captain Laejon Thomspon won Homecoming King and Cheer Captain Nevaeh Henderson won Homecoming Queen.
2023 Homecoming Royalty, Nevaeh Henderson and Laejon Thompson by Reagan Metzger
The Bears managed to score a touchdown only eleven seconds into the game and took the lead. But, were slowly defeated in the end. Marco Morales, one of the junior Football Captains, explained that “there’s tons of stress” when it comes to winning the homecoming game, but still enjoys “playing with his friends” either way. The game ended with a distant score of 56-21, with the Wildcats taking the win. Even though the Bears took the hit, they gave it their all, and 2023 Homecoming built memories for all involved.
Hike! Photo by Reagan Metzger