Homecoming is a tradition that celebrates alumni, current students and the surrounding community. Freedom partakes in many Homecoming traditions that are unique to the district. The festivities started with a spirit week on Sept. 30. Following that was the parade and bonfire held on Oct. 3, the Homecoming football game held on Oct. 4, as well as the Pep Rally and the dance on Oct. 5.
Spirit Week kicked off with Pajama Day on Monday, Jersey Day on Tuesday, Camo/Sparkle Day on Wednesday, Luau Day on Thursday, and Red and White Day on Friday.
The parade started at 6:30 and featured the marching band, cheerleaders, homecoming court and various sports teams. Attendance was high as members of the community came out to support the endeavors. The band played the school’s fight song, “Bulldogs,” and members of the court tossed candy into the crowd.
After the parade, a bonfire was held in the field between the High School and Middle School. The band played songs from their halftime show and various pep tunes before the fire was lit. Students and community members could visit food trucks and enjoy the bonfire while talking with their friends and family. A fireworks display started shortly after the fire was lit.
“My favorite part about the parade was how the band can bring all of Freedom together as a community. My favorite thing about the bonfire was how welcoming it is to hang out with your friends or your family,” Phoebe Smith (11) said.
During PLT on Oct. 4, there was a Pep Rally to showcase the Homecoming Court. The band played pep tunes while students entered the stadium. After they finished, the various fall sports teams walked across the track waving to all the students. The court had worked on their dance for a few weeks and they were ready to showcase their hard work.
Later that day, the Homecoming ceremony took place before the football game. The court walked through a tunnel made by the band and units while announcers Mackenzie Mohrbacher (11) and Colton Blank (11) read short biographies about each couple. After all the couples had walked through, the king and queen were announced. Christopher Denkovich (12) and Annabelle Komlos (12) were crowned the 2024-2025 king and queen.
Shortly after, the football game kicked off with the Riverside Panthers scoring a touchdown. Tension was high throughout the night and Freedom fans were hopeful. Riverside ended up taking the win 14-0; although, the Freedom Homecoming spirit was still high.
The following day, the homecoming dance started at 6 p.m. Music started in the cafeteria but later migrated to the gym after multiple lighting mishaps. Cornhole, Jenga, and Minigolf were moved into the cafeteria. Food was displayed on tables in the student center and consisted of chips and dip, macaroni and cheese, chicken tenders, slider sandwiches, cookies and cake.
“I really enjoyed being with my friends and dancing with them. This year was more fun in general,” Aubrey Boyd (11) said.