By GRACIE LEAVITT
The Progress
It was a week of tradition and fun at Moapa Valley High School as the annual Homecoming festivities brought plenty of activities for students.
The theme for the week, chosen by the MVHS Student Council was “Home of the Free, Because of the Brave.” This theme was meant to honor veterans, servicemen, and all first responders.
The festivities were planned by the MVHS student council. There were daily dress up days, after school events, sports and other student activities.
Monday was a pajama day at schoo. In the evening was the traditional Powder Puff flag football game. The girls played ball while the boys handled the cheerleading and other entertainment. The halftime show involved this “man squad” with a record number of male students signing up this year.
On Tuesday was Country vs. Country Club day at school. It was a rivalry between styles of east coast liberal arts student and the rural farming student. Later that night was a drive-in movie in the senior parking lot.
On Wednesday students dressed in class colors with freshmen as red, sophmores as white, juniors as blue, seniors as camo and staff as black. In the evening, the whole community got involved as the Homecoming Parade and Assembly took place.
The parade wound its way west on Wittwer Ave just north of the MVHS campus. Then it turned south into the school parking lot and took a turn around the circle in front of the school ending on the southwest parking lot.
The parade was led proudly by the MVHS marching band. Included in the parade were floats created by each of the four classes at the school. Sports teams and other activity groups were also represented.
In keeping with this year’s theme, the community’s first responders had a place of honor in the parade. Vehicles from the Moapa Valley Fire District and the local Metro Police were featured with representatives throwing out candy all the way. Even CCSD Resource Officer Jimmy Lescinsky had a prominent place of honor in the parade.
The Grand Marshall of the parade selected for this year was the late Joe Perez. Perez, who passed away last summer, was represented in the parade by his wife Aileena and her family.
Also featured in the parade was the Homecoming royalty. Weeks prior to Homecoming, MVHS students put in their votes for who would be the shining peers of Homecoming Week. The freshmen royalty was Brielle Baker, McKyla Huff and Isabella Mendoza as princess. Gracie May was chosen as the sophomore princess with Allie Nelson and Lauralai Sobrio in her court. Junior royalty included Allie Bosch, Kenzie Hughes and Paige Fairchild who was elected as princess. The senior class princess was Talley Blackwell with members of her court being Aiyana Smith and Carlaya Christensen.
Nominations made for the Homecoming King were Rylan Evans, Scott Hardy and Peyton Neilson. Those nominated for Homecoming Queen Mavis Hill, Elise Leavitt and Gabriella Rubio.
The King and Queen were announced and crowned in the Homecoming Assembly, held immediately after the parade on the football field. Elise Leavitt was crowned as Homecoming Queen and Rylan Evans as Homecoming King.
Suzanne Garlick said that the student council and members of the community helped to plan everything. “With the COVID restrictions, there was a fear that it might not even be possible,” Garlick said. “But we pushed through and were able to make it happen.
Also in keeping with the theme, the official colors of Homecoming week were designated as red, white and blue.
“It was one of our students ideas,” said Garlick. “Rylan Evans brought the idea forward and then the council vote on it. They all loved it. It’s very relative to what is going on. We are so grateful for those who serve us and take care of us.”
The last day was Friday with extreme red, white and blue. A tailgate party and other pre-game festivities were followed by the varsity football game.
Finally on Saturday evening, a red, white and blue themed dance was held in the MVHS quad. American flags were held proudly with vibrantly colored streamers and balloons, an upbeat playlist and a snack pub.
Homecoming King Rylan Evan and his date Macie Frei came to the dance with much enthusiasm. “We are feeling great!” Frei said. “We are so happy to be here!”
Students danced together in groups and as couples, all enjoying the spirited atmosphere.
MVHS Assistant Principal Duane McMinn said that the event had been planned with safety in mind. “This year has been a little more of a challenge because of COVID,” McMinn said. “It’s a little different because we are doing the dance outside this year. But we’re making the best of it. For every school event, the priority is safety.”
