Pack your bags and book your flights, because the next stop is “Destination Homecoming,” Fresno Christian’s 40th Annual Homecoming. During the week of Sept. 22-26, students will be journeying through a thrilling week. The itinerary is full of spirit dress-up days, princess pageants, float building, the Royal Battle and an epic showdown on the football field between the Fresno Christian Eagles and the Cornerstone Christian Cougars Friday night.
As the end of the week draws near, anticipation builds. Dress-up days and activities continue as the exciting night is just a day away. The finishing details of the floats are completed and ready to be revealed on Homecoming night.
Dress-Up Day: International Jersey Day
Students arrive at school sporting their favorite jerseys for Jersey Day. Throughout the hallways, different teams can be seen, from baseball to soccer. Spirit points are earned through the participation of students in each grade.
Luke Schermerhorn sported his Christian McCaffery jersey from the 49ers football team.
“McAffrey is the goat of the 49ers,” Schermerhorn said. “It means a lot to me because it means a lot to my dad, and I love my dad.”
Royal Battle
The Royal Battle returns to Fresno Christian during Homecoming week. Students flood into the Student Ministry Center, buzzing with excitement. The Royal Battle is a staple of Homecoming week festivities. Senior king and queen candidates work together and prepare choreography to iconic songs.
Practices occur multiple times a week and candidates spend countless hours working to get their performances perfect. All the hard work pays off when the stage lights up and the king and queen nominees get to shine. With both group dances and duets, the Royal Battle is a true highlight of the week.
Feather advisor and History teacher Kori James helps organize the event, and hosts it every year. James has run the event for 11 consecutive years. Her passion for the event comes out in her dedication to making Royal Battle the highlight of the week for the senior candidates.
King candidate Tycen Ramirez, ’26, performed with queen candidate Delaney Meyers to Bruno Mars’ funk song “Perm”.
“It was fun, Delaney’s dad was a competitive dancer so he knew what he was doing,” Ramirez said. “Then, my grandma owned a dance studio for much of my dad’s life so I had a context to what dance life was like. The group dance was more of a hangout with trying to put moves to the music which was tons of fun”.
Queen candidate Kennedy Schwab danced to Let’s Get Loud by Jennifer Lopez with her partner, king candidate Braden Belmont and enjoyed becoming closer with the court candidates.
“My favorite part of the Royal Battle was probably getting to do it with my close friends,” Schwab. “And grow closer with the other nominees!”
Royal Battle Rankings
1st: Danielle Arndt and Benson Elbert – Music mashup including “The Imperial March” from Star Wars, “Teach Me How to Dougie” by Cali Swag District and “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis
2nd: Delaney Meyers and Tycen Ramirez – Perm by Bruno Mars
3rd: Jordyn DeGroot and Bryce Smith – God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood and Crank That by Soulja Boy mashup
Senior Float: Paris
For Destination Homecoming, the senior class finishes their Paris-themed float. Three laborious weeks done in order to showcase their talent on the night of Homecoming. This year, the seniors are committed to end their years of bad luck as they work diligently to build, paint and finalize their float.
Determined to create a better float than previous lackluster years, the building and painting is hosted by the Meyers’ family. President of Meyers Construction Inc. and senior dad, Jason Meyers supported the senior class throughout the process by teaching and helping the students.
“We wanted to host the float building this year and share our trade skills with the kids,” Meyers said. “Trades are missing from school in a big way and we have enjoyed sharing ideas and techniques of how things get built with the senior class.”
Coming Up:
For the last day of homecoming week, students are encouraged to wear school colors for Spirit Day. Come and support FC Football on Friday against Cornerstone Christian High School for the 40th Homecoming. At 5:35 p.m. the court is to be introduced, kickoff is at 7 p.m. and the king and queen crowning is at halftime.
To read more from The Feather, visit Destination Homecoming: Day 3 and Pickleball craze gains momentum.
