From September to December of 2024, Utica High School was alive with energy, spirit, and community-driven efforts. From rallying behind a meaningful cause close to home during Gold Week to embracing the excitement of Homecoming Madness and the Powderpuff game traditions, students came together to create unforgettable memories. Fall activities like the Cider Mill trip and the spectacular Rock of Ages musical showcased our school’s talent and camaraderie, while winter events like Winterfest and the Adopt-a-Family drive reflected our collective generosity and holiday cheer. Here’s a look back at the moments that highlighted this semester and brought us closer together as a school and community.
Utica High School kicked off the school year in September with a heartfelt tribute to Gold Month, dedicating an entire Gold Week to raising awareness and funds for childhood cancer. The week wrapped up with a gold-themed football game, making the cause especially meaningful as one of Utica’s own students, Tyler Trotto, is a childhood cancer survivor. Throughout the week, students purchased gold T-shirts, with all proceeds donated to support the fight against childhood cancer.
“The student section had a really good turnout, and a lot of people participated,” senior Hadley Briske said. “The crowd got really wild at the beginning of the game when Tyler went onto the field to do the coin toss.”
As Gold Week came to a close, October began with preparations for the highly anticipated homecoming extravaganza. The week was packed with excitement, featuring a lively parade, a dazzling dance, spirited competition day, and the ever-popular spirit week. Homecoming week is known as the craziest time of the year, bringing the entire student body together and strengthening the sense of community through shared enthusiasm and school pride.
“My favorite thing from homecoming week was the time i spent with my friends at the game and dance.” sophomore Gage Diem said. “I’ll never forget how everyone was on the same energy, and everyone was there to have fun.”
As the homecoming excitement wound down toward the end of October, Utica High School kept the energy alive with its annual Powderpuff game, a cherished tradition that flips the script. The boys traded jerseys for pom-poms as cheerleaders, bringing humor and school spirit to the sidelines, while the girls took to the field to showcase their athleticism and teamwork in a game of football. The event highlighted the playful side of school spirit, making it a memorable experience for players, cheerleaders, and spectators alike.
“The most surprising part was to see the guys do the actual cheer moves,” junior Nikolina Anceski said. “It was really funny seeing the roles reversed because I was just watching everybody from above in the booth and they all played so differently.”
With October coming to a close, Utica High School hosted its very own Cider Mill event for the second year in a row. After its success last year, the Student Council worked hard to bring it back even bigger and better. The event was a perfect way to embrace the fall season, offering students a chance to enjoy cider, donuts, and festive autumn activities. It was more than just a fun event. It served as an opportunity for students to take a break, relax, and connect with friends while celebrating the spirit of the season.
“It was nice that we could get out of our classes and engage with other students,” sophomore Alexia Thomas said. “I liked dressing up. I was Alvin from Alvin and the Chipmunks with my friends so that was fun to see everyone.”
Later in November, it was showtime at Utica as the theater department took the stage with their high-energy production of Rock of Ages. This marked a milestone for the department, as it was one of their first times performing a musical in the fall. Despite the challenge of limited preparation time (just 20 rehearsals) the cast and crew delivered an impressive performance. Their hard work and dedication shone through, making the musical a standout moment in the school’s calendar.
“I enjoyed being able to work with people’s acting and watch the show come to life,” student director Carley Davis said. “I hope the audience was able to see just how happy this show made the people in it.”
Davis goes on to say that “I hope it inspired at least one person to try theatre because it could introduce them to a really great community and give them a passion for something they didn’t know they enjoyed.”
Shortly after being organized by the counseling office, Future Focus Day provided seniors with a valuable opportunity to start planning for life after high school. The hour was packed with activities designed to help students explore their goals and envision their futures. Highlights included professional photo sessions, a fun photo booth, and the creation of personalized five-year goal bracelets.
“The professional photo was the most useful as it’s something that I have to this day that I can keep,” senior Emillio Oddo said. “My best advice is to go into it with an open mind and try to keep all your options open. You have a lot of time to decide your future.”
As November ended, December became a month dedicated to giving back, with the school rallying around a $10,000 Adopt-a-Family drive for Saint Clements Catholic Church. To support the effort, various events were held throughout the month, spreading holiday cheer while raising funds. One highlight was Utica’s Winterfest, hosted in the ECC during lunches, where students could enjoy holiday-themed activities, sip hot cocoa, and snack on cookies. Another festive favorite was Holiday Movie Day in the auditorium, where teachers brought their classes to relax and watch a seasonal movie. These events not only helped raise funds but also brought the school community together in the spirit of the season.
“The adopt-a-family drive positively impacted the school community and families within it,” senior Sarahi Agustin said. “The money was raised as a council went to charity which helped families have an enjoyable holiday season. Overall, I’m very proud of what our school was able to achieve.”
As the year came to a close, the memories created between September and December showcased the heart and spirit of Utica High School. From rallying for meaningful causes to celebrating long-standing traditions and creating new ones, the semester was filled with moments that brought students and staff closer together. Whether through laughter at the Powderpuff game, unity during the gold-themed football night, or generosity during the Adopt-a-Family drive, Utica proved that its community thrives when working together. Here’s to carrying this energy and enthusiasm into the new year and beyond!
