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DAYTON–The past week was a very important week for the students of Dayton High School. The first few months of the school year, as usual, have brought us endless excitement and experiences, and most importantly; Homecoming. The theme of this year's Homecoming for Dayton and Waitsburg high schoolers was "Hollywood"; it was a very busy, yet enjoyable, week for DHS.

Monday, the dress up theme of the day was " Gender Bender" which includes the boys dressing in a "feminine" fashion, and the girls in a "masculine" way. This dress-up theme was suitable for the event of the night; Stud Volleyball. Stud Volleyball is a long standing, and student favorite Homecoming tradition at DHS. The boys of Dayton High are always on board to dress in their funniest "girly" outfits, and to try their hand at the game. The event was a hit, showing great support from both students, staff, and the community, and resulted in the victory of the Junior Class team.

Tuesday, "Athletes vs. Mathletes" was the dress up theme of the day, and the activity of the day was the annual pole painting. Each class is designated one of the four columns, or "poles" that stand in the high school commons, and paint their pole according to the Homecoming theme. The class with the best painting is declared the winner. The winner of this year's Pole Painting competition has not been announced.

Wednesday, "Teacher Twin Day" is an opportunity for the students to dress up in a way that resembles their teacher, or staff member, of choice, as well as staff dressing as the modern-day teenager. Wednesday was also the day of the Club Fair, and the voting for Homecoming King and Queen. Each club that is offered at DHS was asked to set up a table and presentation board, in the high school commons, with pictures and information about their club, as well as signup sheets and information. This is a way for new students to discover the opportunities around them, and for clubs to interest new members. Along with the Club Fair, the students also voted in their choice of Homecoming King and Queen. Their options, all being from the senior class, were as follows: Princesses Mackenzie Faith, Elaina Gembala, and Aria Woodend; alongside princes Tristian Cush, Jesse Gant, and Damian Johnson.

Thursday, the dress up theme of the day was "Time Travel", students were given the opportunity to dress in the fashion appropriate to any time period they chose, whether it be many years in the future, or the past. Some students chose recent decades such as the 70s, 80s, and 90s, and some went as far as biblical or colonial times. The day was meant to encourage creativity, and it is safe to say that many did just that.

Friday, the last day of Homecoming week, as always, was "School/Team Spirit" day. This was of course the day of the pep assembly, and many adorned their best Bulldog and Wolfpack attire. The assembly included many fun games for the students and class advisors to participate in, as well as school spirit being shown through participation of the Bulldog Fight Song, presented by the DW Cheerleaders.

Also, Friday is the night of the Homecoming football game against the Mabton Vikings. The Dayton and Waitsburg students showed great support for their team at the game with a wonderful turnout. While the game resulted in a loss for DW, it was still enjoyed by all, and included the announcement of the Homecoming King and Queen.

The Dayton Homecoming Court included: Freshmen Prince and Princess Jacob Sabin, and Dakota Griffin. Sophomore Prince and Princess Cayle Davis, and Wyntr McCauley. Junior Prince and Princess Hudson Reser and Mohala Bramer. Senior Princes and Princesses Tristian Cush, Damian Johnson, Mackenzie Faith, Elaina Gembala, and the King and Queen; Jesse Gant and Aria Woodend.

The week was successfully packed full of fun and memories, and was topped off by the Homecoming Dance. The dance, thrown by the Dayton ASB Council, was held in Dayton's outdoor tennis and basketball courts. Despite many challenges, the dance was a hit, having a great turnout, pleasantly surprising warm weather, and positive responses from all. It is safe to say that Homecoming 2021 was a success.