Mustang Pride Shines At Mount Markham Homecoming
Homecoming is one of the most exciting times of the school year. Students and staff have started to settle into the new year, and fall sports are well underway, preparing for senior celebrations and sectional games. At Mount Markham High School, it is a week of pride and spirit, filled with traditions. The festivities kick off with Spirit Week, during which students dress up according to various theme days, this year ranging from Mustang Monday to Twin Day to Class Colors.
On Friday afternoon, students gathered outside for the pep rally, buzzing with excitement for the weekend’s activities. The pep rally began with a continuation of a new tradition implemented by the class of 2025. Seniors met kindergarteners at midfield to give them pom poms, representing the passing on of school spirit from our seniors who just begun their final year, to the new Mustangs, starting their Mount Markham journey.
The pep rally continued with a costume race across the football field, featuring some of the high school staff dressed in blow-up characters and performances by the high school chorus and band.
The main event of the pep rally was the powderpuff games, where each class battled it out in games of Gatorball (a gym class favorite). In between games, announcer Loren Winegard called down the Mustang athletic teams of the fall season. Each sport was given time in the spotlight, recognizing their hard work this season.
The senior class dominated the competition, ultimately being crowned champions of the powderpuff tournament. After celebrating their victory, it was time to announce the Homecoming Court, which was voted on by the student body. This year’s court includes freshmen, Evelyn Dye and Ian Kantor, sophomores Victoria Cacilhas and Carson Hungerford, juniors Kiana Eccleston and Shawn Carpenter, and seniors Layla Rice and Dameon Case.
Homecoming celebrations continued Saturday, starting with the annual parade through town, hosted by Student Council. High school students are encouraged to decorate floats to showcase their school spirit, with floats representing various classes, sports teams and clubs. Local youth teams, such as Pop Warner and MMAYA, were also invited to participate. Each year, the West Winfield community comes together to help make this parade possible, including the West Winfield Fire Department and Post Office, which provided space for float decoration and joined the parade. The route ended at the high school, leading everyone to Mustang Stadium for the afternoon football game.
A bagpipe performance led the mustangs to finally take the field and go head-to-head with the Herkimer Magicians. Sophomore Cordelia Dziuban sang the National Anthem, and then it was time for kickoff. The Mustangs scored their first touchdown, and the crowd went wild. School spirit was at an all-time high as the cheerleaders and the fans cheered for the Mustangs. The game remained intense right up to the fourth quarter, with both teams tied at 7-7. Unfortunately, the Magicians were able to pull ahead, finishing the game with a victory. Although the Mustangs did not win, the students were still excited for the evening ahead. Following the game, the senior class hosted the Homecoming dance in the high school gym. Students returned to the school dressed in their best semi-formal attire for a night of dancing and fun.
Homecoming at Mount Markham High School was a memorable celebration filled with tradition, spirit, and community. Although the week has come to an end, the energy and pride will continue to resonate throughout the school year.