There isn't a game on Friday night, but that likely won't dent school spirit among students at Clay Central/Everly Elementary.

The district this week revived Homecoming after a three-year hiatus. Following the closure of the 7-12 grade building at the conclusion of the 2018-19 school year, CC/E officials shelved festivities as no events like football or volleyball games were on the schedule anymore.

However, staff members wanted to spark a bit of school spirit this year inside the elementary building. Homecoming was promptly saved from the grave, and young Mavericks have been putting their school pride on display all week.

"We noticed the importance of building that school spirit and having children see that their community supports them and is excited that they are Mavericks," said Director of Student Services Michelle Huntress. "We want to celebrate our students learning to be great leaders at our school in academics, sports and good citizenship."

Several activities were planned this week to mark the occasion. Dress-up days made each day more interesting, and students and staff also received new T-shirts to mark Homecoming 2022.

Other highlights included a school-wide effort to bedazzle the building with entryway and hallway decor. Students have also learned about the correlation between sports and school pride, and music classes have been learning "Go Big Red!" and the new "Maverick Pride Song" to prep for the pep rally. Guidance and library classes have reiterated what it means to have school pride and the importance of CC/E's vast school heritage.

The schedule peaks Friday at 1 p.m. in downtown Royal, followed by a pep rally at the elementary gym around 2 p.m. More than 25 entries are already signed up for the parade, which will be emceed by Al Grigg, of Everly.

Several guest speakers will address visitors during the pep rally. The grand finale will feature the last CC/E Homecoming Queen Marty Schmidt, who will speak on Maverick Pride and what it means to be a Maverick.

Homecoming 2022 isn't just for the kids. Following Friday's events, the school is hosting a Maverick, Cattlefeeder, Comanche and Moneta Bulldog staff and alumni Homecoming after party at The Great Hall of Royal from 5:30-9 p.m. A nacho bar will be provided with drinks available for purchase.

Huntress said the Homecoming slate has given the community a reason to celebrate CC/E. Though the district no longer offers grades 7-12, she pointed out that enrollment in PK-6 has been sustained and even gone up this year. The district has also been implementing updated curriculum to best prepare students for the next level and offers an extensive list of extra-curricular activities.

"Our school has everything going for it," she said. "School pride and the excitement that Homecoming encourages is truly unique and we are thrilled to bring that excitement back both in our school and community."

Huntress said CC/E students have been both excited about Homecoming and a little curious. Many of them have never experienced the event before and are taking it in for the first time.

Huntress said local business and community members have rallied around the elementary school since the closure of the junior high and high school. Administrators and staff have noticed that, Huntress said, and it means the world to them.

"This backing helps us build on a number of unique advantages to rural schools," she explained. "Sustaining our small elementary school allows us to know each and every student well and address all of his or her learning needs with compassion and care."

SENTINEL-NEWS FILE PHOTO

CC/E will hold a parade and pep rally on Friday followed by an alumni gathering at The Great Hall of Royal.

Huntress hoped the community would turn out Friday to support its school. She looked forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting alumni during the busy day.

"We are excited about what we do and what we can offer to the students and families of CC/E," she said. "We feel pretty blessed to have the families' and communities' support here."