Excitement swept through Benet Academy as students celebrated “A Night in Rio,” this year’s Homecoming theme. Lasting from September 29 to October 3, Student Government captured the colorful energy of a Rio carnival, with music, competition, and school spirit.

Festivities began Sunday, September 28 with a tailgate. Students watched the Bears game, enjoyed tacos from the Cuisine Club, and listened to live music from a student band named “Peak.” Throughout the week, LIFT sold their popular slushies and festive music played in the hallways. The week was bookended by donuts, complimentary of student government, on Monday and Friday.

There was a pickleball tournament during homeroom on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, bringing out students’ competitive sides as laughter and friendly rivalries filled the courts. The winner of the tournament was decided at the pep rally on Friday. The winners were seniors Nathan Cerocke and Judd Isom.

From Wednesday to Friday, dress down days encouraged creativity and spirit, featuring Rio colors, a color war, and Benet spirit wear. Freshman Lucas Urquiza said, “I like the creativity in the themes and the music in the hallway. It really livens up the school day.”

Throughout the week, students voted for a student and teacher to compete in a dance-off during Friday’s pep rally. The participants were Mr. Billish and Senior Ben Albert. Mr. Billish emerged victorious in the dance-off. At the pep rally, the varsity cheer team, Avions dance team, and band performed. The Homecoming Court was announced, followed by the crowning of the King and Queen: Nikhil Joseph and Erin Tribe. After a week of spirited events, the Redwing community joined together once more under the Friday night lights and again at the dance and freshman mixer on Saturday, closing out Homecoming Week with unity, pride, and celebration.