DAYTON–Homecoming Week has come and gone. What fun we had all week long and into the weekend.

The early part of the week has been eventful, full of energy and school spirit. Students, so far have spent time working to earn their class points in dress up days and other competitions throughout the week in order to boost spirit for Homecoming.

The theme Monday was the self-explanatory "Pajama Day," where students wore bed-time attire for the school day. The next day, Tuesday, was Yee Haw day; while this may be the usual choice of dress for some students, the idea was to wear their best "yeehaw" outfits, consisting of boots, jeans, flannels, cowboy hats, and all other things country.

Tuesday was the night of the infamous Stud Volleyball competition, a beloved tradition by DHS, in which the male students of each class dressed in their "girliest" outfits, and competed against other classes in a volleyball tournament, ending with the winner playing the staff team.

Wednesday was "Oldies but Goodies" Day. This day was an opportunity to dress in an outfit from your favorite decade of any time, or perhaps impersonate an older person of this time. Wednesday night, the Field Night was held at the high school track. Each class assigned a member to compete in games and other competitions to win points for their class, in hopes of winning field night overall.

Next was Thursday and "Gender Bender" Day, being possibly the most successful dress-up day of the week. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all to see the boys impersonating girls with their best costumes, and vice versa. Thursday was the day of the annual school-wide lip sync competition tradition. All four classes surprised us with great performances, especially a stunningly well-done performance by the new freshman class.

Lastly, Friday had come, the theme of the day was to wear your best Dayton-Waitsburg, and Bulldog spirit gear in celebration of the Homecoming Football game later that night. The game, as always, had a huge turnout in support of our DW boys, in spite of the rainy weather. Our supporters never fail to cheer on the team with the help of the Dayton-Waitsburg cheer squad, to lift the team spirit and bring encouragement to our players.

-Submitted photo

Playing a big role in Homecoming Week planning and events were these Dayton High School ASB officers, here about to lead the parade to the Courthouse for the Pep Assembly on Friday. From left, Roselin Burris, Mackena Culley, Tayven Seney, Brutus, Kylee Laughlin, Adam Puckett and Kira Boggs.

Once the school week was over, it was time for the event we had been awaiting for all month, the Homecoming Dance! The theme this year was "Mystical Garden," making beautiful use of our Fairgrounds' Pavilion with elegant botanical decorations. Though the dance went for three hours, from 9 p.m.-12 a.m., to the dancers it seemed as though "it flew by in thirty minutes!" said a dance attendee.

There was nothing but pure energy and joy for these kids as they danced the night away with their peers.