WGHS Homecoming Weekend Recap Showcases Warrior Pride and Energy

The field has cleared and the music has stopped, but the unforgettable memories made during Walnut Grove High School's 2026 HOCO weekend will stick with students long after the final dance.
by Aubree Durkot and Corynne Cox

Homecoming Football Game:
Before homecoming, Walnut Grove High School held a football game against Apalachee High School to get students pumped up and excited for the dance! The stands were packed with students who were excited, but also nervously waiting for them to announce the homecoming king and queen winners. Payton Scott, the homecoming queen winner, emphasizes that the game was exciting, but there were a lot of nerves going on in the moment. "The game was very exciting, but I was very nervous for the crowning ceremony. I was worried I would fall and curious who would win." Students were happy about the outcome, and WGHS deeply appreciates everyone who ran. Rhyder Beard felt honored to have the opportunity to represent the school and community and walk the field as a senior HOCO representative. “The feeling of walking the field was a cool experience, being able to get presented in front of the whole school and people from our community, but was also a little nerve-racking—overall a fun experience for my senior year.” Rhyder won senior HOCO king and was overall very excited!
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Saturday Morning Plans:
The morning before homecoming is usually very stressful for some people, but not for Jada Smith, a sophomore at WGHS. "The week of HOCO I got my nails and toes done, and then Saturday morning when I got off work, I went and got my hair done." On the other hand, some students prepared at the last minute. Rhyder Beard, the homecoming king winner, surprisingly shares that he wasn't very prepared. "To be honest, I wasn’t very prepared and had to get my outfit for homecoming last minute just because I didn’t have time due to football and other things outside of school." Ace Smith also had to do some last-minute planning. “I prepared last minute because I realized I didn't have any flowers for my date.” Payton Scott loves spending these cherished moments with her friends. “Throughout the week I ordered my heels and made plans with my friends where we would take pictures, eat dinner, and get ready.” “The morning of HOCO, I woke up at my friend's house, and we ran some errands to get some last-minute things we needed, and we got loaded teas at Uptown Nutrition in downtown Monroe.”

Homecoming Night:
After weeks of anticipation, homecoming night finally arrived, bringing students together for a celebration filled with Warrior pride and excitement! From the HOCO game and spirit week themes to the dance, students enjoyed getting out on the dance floor and making memories with their friends. Isabella Crescionie agrees: "When it was mid-hoco and everyone was on the dance floor dancing, it was just a really cool experience." Many students didn’t just end their night with homecoming. Rhyder stayed out with friends and continued to make long-lasting memories. “My favorite part of the night was definitely spending time with everybody after the dance and creating memories.” Ace Smith and his friends went bowling after the dance!

Overall, homecoming was a memorable celebration that allowed students to come together and create long-lasting memories on the dance floor.