School spirit shines during Blue Devils’ Homecoming week

by Independence Local Schools

School spirit filled the halls of Independence High School and Middle School during Homecoming week, Sept. 28-Oct. 2. Students celebrated with themed dress-up days and activities and the week culminated with a football victory and Homecoming dance.

Independence High School students kicked off the week by dressing like actor Adam Sandler on Monday, followed by “Anything but a Backpack Day” on Tuesday. Wednesday brought a barbecue dad vs. soccer mom faceoff, while students dressed for the wrong occasion on Thursday. The week wrapped up Friday with “Class Color Day,” in which each grade level wore a designated color.

Junior Mace Durden runs the ball during the Oct. 1 game against Beachwood. Photo submitted.

Students gathered in the IHS gym Friday afternoon for the annual Homecoming rally. Fall sports teams, cheerleaders and the marching band were recognized before student council and the senior class led games and activities for the entire student body. IMS fifth- and seventh-graders also attended.

Independence Middle School joined in the festivities by wearing their favorite flannels for “Cozy Vibes Monday” and pink for breast cancer awareness on Tuesday. On Wednesday, students wore a designated color during “Fall Color Wars.” On Thursday, IMS students also dressed for the “wrong occasion,” arriving ready for everything from weddings and vacations to sporting events. Students wore jerseys and gear representing their favorite teams on Friday. Daily raffle winners added another element of fun throughout the week.

The celebration concluded Friday evening as the Independence varsity football team defeated Beachwood with a final score of 20-14.

The 2026 Independence High School Homecoming Court was recognized at halftime. This year’s court included Adrianna Mastroianni, Genna Gallucci, Katie Ksiazka, Julia Jurkiewicz and Jamie Donovan, along with Nolan Ghann, Giovanni Hasrouni, Ryan Suhy, David Crooks and Robby Kalman.

Nolan Ghann was crowned Homecoming King, and Katie Ksiazka was crowned Homecoming Queen. The Independence marching band played “Happy Together” by the Turtles after the winners were announced.

The marching band also took the field after the game for a post-show performance of “Shippin’ Up to Boston,” “Vehicle” and “Superstition.”

Homecoming also served as alumni night for the Independence High School marching band. Alumni gathered before the game and joined current band members as part of the evening’s festivities.

The Independence High School marching band performed a post-game show on the field including songs like “Shipping Up to Boston,” “Vehicle” and “Superstition.” Photo submitted.

The Homecoming dance was held on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Independence High School. The theme was “A Night in Vegas,” and students spent the evening dancing to music by DJ Dave Synek.

Photo caption: Nolan Ghann was crowned Homecoming King and Katie Ksiazka was crowned Homecoming Queen. Photo submitted.