NEWELL—The pageantry of crowns, capes and sashes was on display as students dressed in their best for the traditional naming of the homecoming king and queen to rule over homecoming week. The ceremony kicked off the 2026 Homecoming festivities at the Newell School District.
Monday, September 28, began the week of activities with everyone dressing up as either BBQ Dad or Soccer Mom.
The evening’s coronation began at 7 p.m. in Austin Auditorium. Kendra Johnson and Orrin Youngberg were crowned 2026 Newell Homecoming Queen and King. The rest of the court included MKenzie McTaggart, Kate High, Elijah Barden and Malachi Whitacre.
The tradition of burning the N didn’t take place as planned following the coronation activities because of the weather. It will take place following the homecoming girls volleyball game on Thursday, October 1.
Tuesday was Iconic Duos/twins day—think things that go together like peanut butter and jelly. The homecoming activities for the day included a middle school and a high school dodgeball tournament. It was held during study hall in the middle school gym.
Wednesday was class color day, and each class throughout the school was assigned a color to wear for the day. Seniors wore pink, juniors wore blue, sophomores wore purple, freshmen wore red, eighth grade got yellow, seventh grade wore orange, sixth grade wore green and the elementary students wore all the colors with tie-dye!
The activity for Wednesday is another longstanding tradition of street painting. All of the high school students will gather at 3rd Street at 7 p.m. to leave their mark on the streets of Newell.
Thursday is game day but also construction/neon day. Think bright orange and yellow like construction site warnings or any neon color you have. A pep rally will be held to send the volleyball team off with plenty of school spirit before they take the court. The rally will take place during 7th period, and the volleyball games begin at 5 p.m. with JV taking the floor first, followed by varsity. The team is taking on Wall High School. Burning of the N will take place behind the gym following the game.
Friday is all about school pride with everyone in class wearing school colors maroon and white. Beginning at 12:30 p.m. class floats will start rolling down Girard Ave. in downtown Newell.
No homecoming is complete without a homecoming dance. The Neon Disco dance will take place on Saturday, October 3 in the middle school gym beginning at 8 p.m. The cost to attend is $6 per couple or $4 each.
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