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Football is a big deal in the town of Sheridan. After all, the high school has sported a football team since 1900 and held the first football Homecoming in the state of Indiana in 1923. That made last Friday’s Homecoming number 99 for Sheridan!
“One of the many things I love about Sheridan is its rich tradition, which blends into our bright future,” Sheridan High School Principal Rick Davis said. “We are proud of our past, but also always looking forward. Homecoming is the perfect opportunity to celebrate both.”
Sheridan students voted to crown King Peyton and Queen Jac at this year’s Homecoming festivities. (Photo by Kirk Green)
This year’s Homecoming celebration culminated last Friday night as the Blackhawks took on the Trojans from Tri-Central, following a week-long celebration and weeks of planning. Keeping up the tradition of honoring past football teams from 10, 25, and 50 years in the past, SHS cheer and the football teams of the 1972, 1997, and 2012 seasons were honored. A Homecoming court was presented, and a king and queen from the senior class were crowned. The team brought home a victory with a decisive 54-7 win.
“Homecoming is like looking through your mind’s eye from where your story began,” Athletic Director Beth DeVinney said. “Revisiting old memories with friends, teammates and coaches, and sharing your past with your present and future families. What a great way to celebrate your youth and embrace how your story unfolded.”
In a small school corporation, Homecoming is not just for high school students; it is a special week for all students, as well as the entire community. Elementary students shared in dress-up day fun and enjoyed the parade.
Abby Williams and Mathew Hewitt, SHS teachers and Student Council sponsors, helped students organize a parade, alumni recognition, powderpuff game, and dress days. This year, Student Council members chose vacation destinations as the theme of the Homecoming parade and produced impressive floats for the annual parade. Like in the past, each class made a float for the parade and competed to win best float prize, and the Class of 2022 took home the prize this year.
It was a fantastic night of remembrance, celebration and fun. The parade was great, the crowd was awesome, and the Blackhawks had a big win! (Photo provided by Sheridan Community Schools)
In the past, all the materials were just thrown away afterward. This year, the students built and decorated children’s playhouses to put on their floats, with a plan to auction the playhouses after Homecoming to raise money for charities.
“Homecoming is a way for students to be involved and feel connected to their school,” Sponsor Abby Williams said. She went on to explain that Student Council members are highly involved in all the planning and activities. Students from each class decorated their floats and competed in class competitions. Students from all three schools participated in the dress-up days. In addition to class floats, students from fall sports rode with their teams in the parade. The SHS marching band participated in the parade, and many FFA members drove the tractors pulling the floats. Many students attended the football game.
“Homecoming, like so many things in Sheridan, is a community event,” Superintendent Dave Mundy said. “This community comes together to support their schools and students, and it makes a difference.”
The 1925 Sheridan High School football team. (Photo provided by Sheridan Community Schools)
This excerpt from the 1925 Sheridan High School yearbook gives a glimpse into the rich history of football in Sheridan. (Photo provided by Sheridan Community Schools)