From spirit week to the homecoming game against Riverview and then Durant’s homecoming dance, hosted by SGA, students had a jam-packed week of excitement to celebrate homecoming.

Kick off of the first regular homecoming week since Covid-19, started Monday, Sept. 27th. There were lots of activities and opportunities for students to dress up and show their school spirit. Some of the more unique days for spirit week were Merica Monday and Dynamic Duo day. Merica Monday encouraged students to bring their patriotic game and Dynamic Duo day allowed students to buddy up with someone and share a themed costume.

Durant’s homecoming game against Riverview High School drew many students to the stands decked out in green apparel to show school spirit for the green out theme. Durant took the win with an ending score of 43-14. 

Junior Saleen Cuchlinski says, “I thought the homecoming game was a lot of fun, and I was really excited that we won. I was really happy to see all of the homecoming court because some of my friends had made it on the court.”

Jenna Karp, senior, was on homecoming court this year. She said, “The [homecoming] game was so much fun. Walking the field and being surrounded by so much joy [was my favorite part.]”

Natalie Doucette, junior, was also on homecoming court this year. “My favorite part of being on homecoming court was getting to socialize with people I didn’t really think I ever would. It was nice to meet everyone and be excited about something together.”

Students who thought about running for homecoming court and decided not to should not be discouraged to run next year. “There’s nothing wrong with not making court, so you have nothing to lose. Go all out with your campaigning, talk to people, secure your votes with your friends, and be confident,” says Doucette.

Out of the 24 students on homecoming court, Tamia Williams was crowned Homecoming Queen in front of football game attendees towards the end of half time. 

“The highlight of becoming queen was knowing that my peers voted for me and the love I received after from family and friends,” says Williams. “Being on court was really fun because I was with my fellow seniors and we all shared the same excitement to be on court.”

The queen met her king at the Enchanted Forest themed homecoming dance on Saturday Oct. 2nd. 

Homecoming King Tyler Eads was crowned at the dance. Soon after both Eads and Williams shared the traditional homecoming king and queen dance together.

Due to Covid-19 this year, sophomores were unable to have a homecoming their freshman year. Both sophomores and freshmen had nothing to compare their experience to, but overall the feedback received from them was very positive. 

“My favorite part of the dance was probably everyone just partying and having a good time and getting that chance to relax and get away from school even though it was at school,” says sophomore Brant Bovee. “I hope next year that it will go to the next level of fun, and I really hope that I can spend that time with my friends.”

Many students are looking forward to next year’s homecoming dance, because of their enjoyable experience. “I’m looking forward to the hoco dance next year and I’m excited to see what theme they’ll choose,” says Cuchlinski. “It was way better than I thought it was going to be. It was just a really cool experience,” says Bovee.

According to attendees, Durant started and ended it’s homecoming week with success. With this year’s experience under their belt, perhaps next year’s spirit/homecoming week will be even better.