Crowning success

Wacky Wednesday, dynamic duos, career day and of course, Mustang spirit day capped off the week long Homecoming celebration at PCM. With the football team bringing home a 69-0 victory and Riley Hjortshoj and Dylan Warrick named queen and king, while modified, the celebration felt just right.

“It has been very exciting, love the dress up days,” Hjortshoj said. “It has been different, for sure, but very exciting. I love it.”

The festivities kicked off a week earlier with the announcement of the 2020 Homecoming Court. Monday brought the start of spirit week which had students dressing up each day in different, creative outfits. High schoolers got groovy and rad for decades day and headed west to warm weather for Hawaiian day throughout the week. At the middle school, jersey day showed everybody’s favorite team and grabbed a partner (or two) for dynamic duo day. Monroe and Prairie City elementaries had the kids get comfy with PJ Day and a little wacky with student favorite Wacky Wednesday.

Thursday, Spirit Night moved outside to the football stadium where perfect weather greeted the crowd. The PCM Marching Band played the fight song as the cheerleaders led the fan chants to start the evening followed by the entrance of the homecoming court. The PCM Dance Team wowed with a pom routine and head football coach Greg Bonnett rallied the crowd to get ready for the big game.

“Football players, you know I love ya, it’s going to be a great night tomorrow,” Bonnett said. “Our students, I admire you for your qualities. Your qualities, your attitudes and your sense of self awareness is just incredible. The bubble burst … You young people are the ones that emerged as leaders, in my opinion. Your resilience is incredible and as an adult I know we can learn from you how to be better people.”

Each of the four senior football captains spoke to the crowd, thanking their parents, coaches, teammates, teachers, friends and fans for everything they have done for them, including their laundry. The evening finished with 2019 PCM Homecoming Queen Lexi Kuecker crowning Warrick and Hjortshoj king and queen.

Football Friday night had a sea of crimson and gold cheering on the team as it cruised to an overwhelming victory. As fans made their way home, remnants of the previous nights TPing fun were still blowing in trees.

“It is homecoming week, it is always fun,” Warrick said. “It has been a different atmosphere because of COVID but it is still homecoming week, super fun.”