During a scooter racing event at the annual Utica High Competition Day, two inflatable dinosaurs ram into one another and take each other down!
For 2024, Utica High School’s annual Competition Day—a day full of fun events students can take part in—occurred at Swinehart Stadium on October 1. A group of volunteering students is chosen to represent each grade level as they battle for the comp-day crown through various activities. The previous three Competition Days were dominated by the graduating class of 2024 seniors, who won throughout their entire high school career. This year, the graduating class of 2025 left the underclassmen with big shoes to fill for next year as they dominated and are the new reigning champions!
“Even though I’m a sophomore,” America Gonzalez said, “I was rooting for the seniors. It’s their last year of high school, and I wanted them to go for a big win. My first Comp Day was fun on the stands cheering for everyone.”
Though they lost, underclassmen put their best efforts forward in events like tug-o-war, water balloon toss, potato sack races, and building a human pyramid.
“Comp Day was a 6/10 this year because we need to learn how to win,” junior Emiljana Lulgjuraj said, “but I’m glad the seniors got a chance to win before they’re out of high school.”
Beyond the competition on the field, students were patiently waiting for the announcement of the Homecoming Court from the stands. The week prior, seniors nominated the people and couples that were running for court. After being announced, the court was ecstatic about their achievements and celebrated with lots of photos. Three days later, during Friday Night Lights, students eagerly anticipated the announcement of the homecoming king and queen during the homecoming football game. As the court walked on to the field with their families, Eddie Tate and Shelby Knake were crowned as the 2024 Homecoming King and Queen.
“When my name was announced, I was excited and happy, but my mind was also on the game at hand,” senior Eddie Tate said.
The Tribe student section’s cheers roared through the stadium after hearing Knake’s name announced after Tate’s.
“Even though I couldn’t vote for the king and queen, I’m glad they won because I would have voted for them,” junior Liz Zhagui said.
Knake was just as surprised as everyone else when she heard her name announced.
“I did not expect to win the crown,” senior Shelby Knake said. “I was expecting to walk off the field after another couple was announced, proud and happy that I was even on court at all.”
Tate and Knake celebrated their win on Saturday, October 5, with the rest of the student body at the Big City-themed homecoming. As homecoming week comes to a close at Utica High School, the excitement that students experienced will radiate throughout the year. The juniors have some preparation to do to keep the legacy of the seniors being the victorious grade on Competition Day. The excitement from homecoming this year will carry into next years as the student body eagerly waits for what’s in store.
