CARDINAL HOMECOMING: Community flocks for huge downtown pep rally

Senior Brooklyn Cupples did not expect to be crowned this year’s homecoming queen. And to be perfectly honest, she said, it was kind of nerve-wracking.

“But after it happened I was really happy about it,” Cupples said minutes before the Newton Community School District commenced its homecoming parade Sept. 23. “I was extremely happy. It was a good time. I went through Walmart after (coronation) and had all these people look at me.”

Well, that’s to be expected when someone walks down the aisles with a shiny tiara on their head, right? Right! But it’s all worth it for homecoming, which Cupples likes for the activities and all the displays of school spirit from both the school and the community.

“Everyone just comes together and actually enjoys it,” she said. “People are just so excited and that’s what I kind of like about it. I like how we bring the spirit into the community and then everyone’s there (for the pep rally). That just makes it more fun when everyone gets into it.”

Earlier, Cupples was crowned alongside homecoming king Adam Mattes during the coronation ceremony in the high school gymnasium. The two then paraded through the community in a convertible, waving at passersby and young’uns begging for a handful of candy to be tossed in their general direction.

Indeed, the Newton community came out to support their Cardinals in full force. As is tradition, the parade ended with a downtown pep rally. Newton Head Football Coach Andy Swedenhjelm thanked the crowd for attending the event and for supporting the Cardinals.

“I love seeing this,” Swedenhjelm said while surrounded by his players, pumped up for the Friday night game. “Homecoming is all about community pride.”

Newton Principal Bill Peters said it means the world to him to see so many families come out and support their hometown team. It tells him the community is connected and invested in their youth.

“Homecoming represents a chance for our students and staff to celebrate show their Red Pride,” Peters said. “It is a total school celebration. Not just NHS but the entire school community. The kids get to participate and celebrate at every school.”

The 2021 Newton High School homecoming court consists of:

Zayvier Arguello, Derek Beiner, Grace Benson, Kya Butler, Brynn Cazett, Brooklyn Cupples, Treycen Garton, Maggie Garrett, Jackson Mace-Maynard, Adam Mattes, Keith Moko, Morgan Peterson, Breyton Schwenker Kael Swarts, Ella White and Maggie Williams,

Meet your 2021 Newton Homecoming King:

Adam Mattes is the son of Lori and Steve Mattes. Mattes places football and basketball. He is a member of the student council, DECA, Student Athletic Advisory Committee, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the National Honor Society. He also plays in the marching and concert band. He is captain on both the football and basketball teams. He is on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leadership Team, DECA vice president and has been second team All-Conference in football and first team all-conference in basketball. He was All-State in basketball and on the All-Conference Academy team. Mattes is on the All-Iowa Attack Basketball Club, youth group and does community service. His favorite hobbies are golf and playing cards. In his spare time, he enjoys hanging out with friends and family, playing golf and basketball and going to get ice cream. In the summer he details cars. Mattes plans to attend a four-year college and play basketball.

Meet your 2021 Newton Homecoming Queen:

Brooklyn Cupples is the daughter of Wendi and Jason Cupples. Cupples is a member of the student council, basketball and soccer teams. She is a basketball team captain, student ambassador, Kiwanis Student of the Month and member of the National Honor Society. Cupples likes Tik Tok where she likes to bathe in her stardom! She enjoys going to Target with her friends. Cupples also helps out at the YMCA with the flag football program. Cupples is employed at the Valle drive-in theater where she is a popcorn aficionado. She is also a lawn care expert at the Whipple residence. After graduating, Cupples plans to attend a four-year college and major in sports management.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com