Homecoming memories made in Gridley

A new year is just starting to unfold here at Gridley High School. We are almost two months into school and one can already see the re-emergence of high school activities and organizations. Posters are up for art club, announcements can be heard about CSF and media clubs and conditioning has already started for soccer and basketball. Art classes are hard at work, and some of their creations can be seen hanging outside the classroom. Another beloved tradition that quickly came back around this year is homecoming.

At GHS, homecoming was two weeks ago, but even though it has come and gone, I believe it is still noteworthy. The excited chaos began that week with the dress-up days, the spirit competitions between classes and hall decorating.

The theme this year for homecoming was "Oh the Places We'll Go," with each class choosing a major city for its individual float and hall theme. The freshman had London, the sophomores had Las Vegas, the juniors had New York and the seniors had Hollywood.

Homecoming week was marked with various noontime activities, like the van stuff and car push and also the Thursday Night Rally, which was a giant tug of war between the classes over a bog of chocolate pudding after the final day of float-building.

At the rally on Friday, we were introduced to our homecoming princesses and queen candidates, and everyone enjoyed watching the different contests between classes. Homecoming week ended Friday night with GHS playing against Las Plumas. During halftime, the homecoming winners were announced as each class's float made its way around the field. The seniors claimed first place overall with the sophomores in second followed by the juniors in third and the freshman in fourth.

Also during halftime, the homecoming princesses and queen candidates made their way onto the field, where Mallory Walton was crowned the homecoming queen. The night ended with a football win for GHS and a dance right after the game.

Sports have already taken over much of GHS as well. Girls soccer is about to start, and the team has begun training, as well as basketball. Volleyball had a productive start to its season with the varsity team claiming two league wins and only three losses so far.

Football continues to push forward into its season. Last week, the varsity players came home with a victory against Central Valley and play Sutter at home this week.

"The varsity football team has been doing really good so far. We have won all of our season games and only need two more wins to make it to playoffs. Hopefully, the boys can keep a level head and show Sutter who is boss this week," said junior Amelia Holland, who is a stats girl for the varsity team.

Altogether, spirits are high, and it looks like this year is going to be a great and memorable for the all the students at Gridley High.

Mariah Holmes is a junior at Gridley High School. Her column appears every six weeks in Education.