FCHS’s 2024 Homecoming weekend was filled with excitement, featuring a fun pep rally, a the annual Homecoming parade, a nail-biting football game, and a dance that left many students buzzing for days.
The weekend kicked off with the pep rally, where teachers Matthew Morrison and Kirsen Pillow were crowned “Emperor and Empress,” wearing comically large hats while being fanned by members of SGA. Following the crowning, various grades competed in a series of games, showing off their enthusiasm and school pride. Many students commented that this year’s pep rally was more upbeat and enjoyable than previous years. The Junior class ultimately won the Spirit Stick due to their enthusiastic support for the teams.
Braving the cold weather, the parade on Oct. 18 featured the school’s Homecoming nominees and class floats, as well as trucks from the Lake Monticello Volunteer Fire & Rescue and the Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Department. The Next Generation Twirlers also entertained the crowd with their baton twirling.
The Homecoming game against Orange County kicked off at 7 p.m. at the stadium as the varsity team rushed onto the field to the roars of fans in blue and gold for the “Fluco Out” theme. It was a nail-biter, as the game ended with a score of 28-21. The Orange County Hornets scored a touchdown in the last two minutes, adding to the tension and causing an uproar among the crowd. After the final buzzer, a conflict arose between the two teams. Although the conflict was quickly tamped down, it prevented the two teams from participating in the ritual after-game hand shake.
One highlight of the evening came during halftime, when cheers filled the bleachers as seniors Marley Rochester and Kameren Green were crowned the Homecoming King and Queen.
“The game was really fun because I liked seeing all of my friends. It was freezing, and we all trickled out of the student section to sit down and bundle up, but it was still fun. I do wish the student section was more hype, though,” said junior Cecily “River” McMillian.
The Homecoming dance wrapped up the weekend on Saturday evening with about 600 attendees and a “Hollywood” theme. Opinions on the dance were mixed; some students said they loved the lively atmosphere and the chance to celebrate with friends, while others said they were disappointed in the music and the overall dance, feeling it lacked the excitement of past events.
“Over the past two years, I’ve attended every Homecoming for the whole time, but this time, I left within 20 minutes because it just doesn’t feel the same anymore,” said junior Molly Cook.
Still, others felt like this year’s dance was a success.
“I liked Homecoming because it is one of the more lively parts of the year. You see more of your friends and interact with a variety of people that you wouldn’t normally talk to otherwise,” said junior Aryann Baskfield.
