The West Elk Patriots will kick off the 2026 Fall Homecoming Celebration this Friday, Sept. 11 at 3 p.m., with the annual Homecoming Parade. The annual parade will take place on Wabash Street in front of Family Market and Howard State Bank. The West Elk Booster Club will begin serving its annual BBQ Tailgate Supper at 5:30 p.m.
At 7 p.m., the West Elk Patriot Football team will host Udall. Finally, the Homecoming Ceremony will take place at the conclusion of the football game.
This year’s homecoming theme is “United in Freedom” and the homecoming song is “God bless the U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood.
Students will be participating in dress up days for the annual event. On Tuesday of this week, was “Camo for courage” and students were encouraged to wear Camo. Wednesday, Sept. 9 is “Hometown Heroes” (dress as Military, Health Care, Teachers etc.); Thursday, Sept. 10 is “United We Stand” (Twin Day) and Friday, Sept. 11 is “Patriot Pride” (Red, White, and Blue).
This year’s candidates are pictured above from left to right: with kindergarten attendants, Bowen Kelley and Maggie Halderman; front row, for Queen: Emma Arbuckle, Ava Denton, Maggie Denton and Maggie Humphrey; and back row, for King: Jacob Tucker, Jaxson Bogdahn, Noah Estrada and Peyton Fechter.
Emma Kay Arbuckle is the daughter of Adam and Andrea Arbuckle of Grenola. She will be escorted by Jacob Daniel Tucker, son of Shane and Sara Tucker of Fall River.
Ava Renee Denton is the daughter of Ian and Dana Denton of Howard. She will be escorted by Jaxson Cain Bogdahn. He is the son of Joey and Stephanie Bogdahn of Moline.
Maggie Sue Denton is the daughter of Ian and Dana Denton of Howard. She will be escorted by Noah Caleb Estrada. He is the son of Abel and Annie Estrada of Howard.
Maggie Jean Humphrey is the daughter of Shawn and Bonnie Humphrey of Moline. She will be escorted by Peyton Aaron Fechter. He is the son of Richard and Julia Fechter of Howard.
The kindergarten attendants are: Maggie Ann Halderman and Bowen Wayne Kelley. Halderman is the daughter of Dakota Halderman of Sedan and Annie Jackson of Howard. Kelley is the son of Stuart and Amanda Kelley of Howard.
(Information and photo submitted by Lynnette Kill, West Elk Student Council)
