When it comes to homecoming, Braden River High senior cheerleader Emily Byrd loves one special event more than any other.
"I've always loved the bonfire," Byrd said as she ate a s'more. "Since it's my last one, I'm trying to make it the best one ever."
More than 100 Braden River students participated in the homecoming tradition Oct. 10 that included performances from the school's Marching Band of Pirates, the Black Pearls, the cheerleading squad and a flash mob from the Student Government Association. The final group performed to the song "Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride" from Disney's animated film "Lilo & Stitch."
"The (bonfire) really gives you a nostalgic feeling," said senior Christian Solorzano. "It gets you excited because it's sort of the pregame to (the homecoming football game) with the energy and good vibes."
Students watched as Assistant Principal Matt Whelden planted a kiss on Dorothy, a heifer in the school's Future Farmers of America program. As a fundraiser for Heifer International, a nonprofit working to eradicate poverty and hunger, whichever student donated the most could pick a staff member — Principal Sharon Scarbrough, bookkeeper Rachel Infanti, student support teacher Cynthia Stedman or Whelden — to kiss Dorothy at the bonfire.
The fun was just getting started as on Oct. 11, Braden River competed against Southeast High School during the school's homecoming game. Seniors Morgan Christiansen and Juan Brito were crowned homecoming queen and king.
Seniors Kiya Resner and Alea Monson take a photo to commemorate their final homecoming bonfire.
Seniors Jack Soodek and Hunter Gionfriddo grill hotdogs for the annual homecoming bonfire.
Senior Kayla Keane and junior Sara Hall dance in unison as the homecoming bonfire gets started. Hall said she couldn't wait to be a part of the Student Government Association flash mob, which performed during the event.
Senior Jasmin Mendoza enjoys a s'more during the bonfire. She said she was excited for the big dance circle at the end of the night.
Seniors Alli Bloski, Jaden Manfredi, Cydney Brummett, Gine Lovelace and Ireland Coker make s'mores together.
Assistant Principal Matt Whelden kisses Dorothy, a heifer in Braden River High School's Future Farmers of America program. Whelden was selected to kiss Dorothy because students donated the most money under his name.
Senior Emily Byrd dances while enjoying a s'more. Byrd said she was going to make her final bonfire the best one ever.
Marching Band of Pirates color guard members junior Natalie Valentine and freshman Grace Scutti dance together while the drumline plays a cadence.
Senior Braden Hameed performs with the Marching Band of Pirates in his final homecoming bonfire.
Marching Band of Pirates color guard member and sophomore Ashauntay Floyd dances to the drumline's cadence. Floyd said she loves performing and being able to show school spirit.
Senior varsity cheerleader Stephanie Infanti said celebrating her last homecoming was bittersweet.
Senior Sebastian Colosia (center), with friends Mary Kate Nolan (left) and Lexi Farmer (right) get the crowd excited with the school mascot, Capt. Crossbones.
Senior Liam Antoszewski, a section leader and Student Government Association senator, leads the crowd in chanting "Let's go Shawqi!" for quarterback Shawqi Itraish.
Sydney Brummett, Ireland Coker and Alli Bloski say the homecoming game was the best part of homecoming week.
Varsity cheerleaders Lucie Dunlap, Savannah Grill and Hallie Bouchard lead the crowd in shouting "We are the B. We are the R. We are the pirates."
Juniors Izzy Rines and Austin Despot are presented on the homecoming court.
Senior Ludney Guillaume cheers for her friends on the homecoming court as they walk the football field.
Freshman homecoming princess Maya Dreyfus and prince Benny Hedgepeth are all smiles.
Senior Morgan Christiansen is all smiles after being named homecoming queen.
Homecoming senior prince and princess D'Angelo Antonino and Zoe Gillson wave to the crowd.
Homecoming king and queen Juan Brito and Morgan Christiansen enjoy a victory ride.
Braden River's Gabriel McDerment, visitor Isabella Henry, and fellow Pirates Curran McDerment and Joel Olvera show their pirate spirit with hats.
