Fans pack the bleachers under the glow of the stadium lights, their cheers echoing across the field as the band blares. Football players charge forward, and the school spirit surges through the crowd for a homecoming night filled with energy, pride, and celebration.
From Monday, September 29 to Saturday, October 4, Bowie celebrated its annual Homecoming Week with themed spirit days each day leading up to the Homecoming game on Friday, October 3, and the dance on Saturday night, October 4.
“As a cheerleader, my favorite part of Homecoming Week has always been the spirit days,” junior Mary Gutierrez-Jaimes said. “I love how each day has its own theme and everyone really gets into it. Twin day is always my favorite because it’s so fun to match with my friends, take pictures together, and see how creative everyone gets with their outfits.”
Before the Homecoming game, students gathered in the gym for the pep rally, which brought them together to celebrate school spirit and build anticipation for the night ahead. The pep rally featured performances from the cheer team, the Silver Stars, and the band. Students dressed in their class colors and packed the gym.
“The pep rally really set the tone for the Homecoming game that night because it brought everyone together and made it feel like something we were all a part of,” sophomore Alina Ortiz said. “Everyone was cheering and showing their class pride. It was fun seeing all the performances and how loud the crowd got, I could really feel the excitement building for the game.”
After a week of themed outfits, decorations, and pep rallies, the excitement of Homecoming Week came to a peak under the Friday night lights. The bleachers were filled up with students cheering on the football team, while the cheerleaders aimed to keep the energy alive from the sidelines. The night brought the school together to celebrate both tradition and teamwork.
“The energy during the game was something different,” senior Isa Montanez said. “The crowd was loud the whole time, which really pushed the players and the rest of us to keep that energy going and winning made it even better, especially since it’s been a few years since we’ve had a win for our Homecoming game.”
Bowie’s football team took the field against Del Valle for the Homecoming game, determined to play hard and make the most of the night. At the end of the night Bowie took the win with a score of 48-21.
“The fans play the biggest role in keeping us motivated,” senior Julius Silva said. “Their noise gives us energy and keeps us in the game. Since it was my last Homecoming, it meant a lot to be out there and enjoy every moment of it with my teammates.”
During halftime, crowds filled the stands with anticipation as the Homecoming Court was introduced onto the field. Students and families watched from the stands as each nominee was announced, waiting to hear for the final results. Seniors Soren Shelton and Jackson Lang were crowned the 2025 Homecoming Queen and King.
“When they started calling names, I was nervous but also really excited because it’s one of those moments you look forward to all week,” Shelton said. “When I actually heard my name, it didn’t feel real at first, but then I looked over at Jackson, and we both just started smiling.”
As Homecoming Week came to a close, the excitement from the week carried over to the game, leaving memories for everyone involved. The week was filled with school spirit, creativity, and moments that stood out for different reasons, whether on the field, in the stands, or during the celebrations afterward.
“Being on Homecoming Court with my girlfriend made Homecoming week really special for me,” sophomore Eliana Jones said. “It was such a fun experience, and everyone was really supportive the whole time. Getting to be part of something that brings people together in so many ways made it one of my favorite memories from this year.”
