GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Gridley High School celebrated Homecoming in typical fashion, holding to time-honored traditions and adding some new twists of their own.

Homecoming week kicked off with the Junior vs Senior football follies game. Tradition dictates that the boys’ football team coaches the girls as they prepare for the intense, flag football game. The gentlemen of Gridley High School also pep up the crowd filling the roles of cheerleaders for the match-up, featuring their own choreographed half-time cheer routing and more!

Juniors put forth a valiant effort but the seniors took the win, defeating the juniors 12-8.

Spirit week included dress up days of hippie day, sunglasses day (Elton John day) and pink–out day where everyone wore pink.

Float building started Tuesday, reducing the number of days that each class had to work on their respective projects this year. The theme was “music through the decades” and each class theme centered around a musical artist. Freshman had Prince, sophomores had Elton John, juniors built a Beatles-themed float and the seniors rocked with the “King,” Elvis Presley.

In an upset, the juniors took the win for the floats, seniors placed second, with freshman in third and sophomores bringing up fourth-place.

Friday was a flurry of activity with rallies and the Homecoming parade ending the school day. 

A stream of vehicles, including a fire engine and Station 74 swift-water rescue apparatus, floats ferrying fall sports teams, staff members and of course, each class competition float cruised through town, throwing candy out to the kiddos and families gathered to watch them pass.

Homecoming King and Queen were crowned during halftime of the JV football game. Many royals held titles this Homecoming. Freshman Princess for 2024 is Sophia Dake, sophomore Princess is Eve Sherer and junior Princess is Reagan Witt. Homecoming Queen candidates were Ariana Benitez, Angie Arroyo, Brooklyn Barnette and Karla Barajas. Seniors Gus Stogsdill and Karla Barajas were crowned royalty.

The homecoming dance was held Saturday with more than 300 students in attendance. The “Old Hollywood” themed dance was a huge success, according to ASB advisor Jennifer Davidson-Link: “One of the largest attendances that I know of in recent history!” 

While Gridley High School Homecoming 2024 saw some unusual events transpire with the varsity football team not playing, the spirit of the Bulldogs couldn’t be darkened!