Although Belvidere High School had its homecoming during the week of Sept. 20, the traditional dance was canceled for the second straight year because of COVID concerns.  However, due to junior Keara Watson’s family, students did get a dance. Watson’s family funded the dance, which was not school-sanctioned, on Sept. 19th at the Boone County Fair Grounds.

The homecoming dance theme was “Tropic Like It’s Hot.” Snacks and beverages were sold, and there was a picture booth.  Students were required to have a mask to enter.

Watson’s family made sure that students were accounted for by having them sign in and giving them wristbands. Before students left,  had to return their wristband. Security also was hired for the event.

Keara Watson said it was both difficult and stressful to find a location to rent out on short notice.

Watson she said didn’t want students to have yet another dance taken from them.

” With the help of our community, whether it was helping at the dance, wanting to be security, or even donating, we were able to make this dance a reality for our peers,” Watson said. “Students were not allowed to participate in usual high school traditions.

“Freshmen and sophomores had never attended a homecoming before, While juniors and seniors were missing out on exciting traditions. As a result, we are really appreciative of the community’s cooperation in putting this dance together.”

In school-sponsored homecoming activities, dress-up days were pajama day, tropical day/toga day for seniors, sports day, generations day, and BUC Pride. On Tuesday students could painting their parking spot, then the outdoor movie, “Surf’s Up” was played on the football field. Thursday, Sept. 23, was the homecoming parade and powder puff game. The Pep Rally was held after classes on Friday afternoon.

Friday night was the homecoming football game where the Homecoming king and queen, Mikey Loeding and Kayla Perez. were announced.

“Becoming homecoming queen was all for fun,” Perez said. “I’m in the class of 2022 so this is my last year to win. This was actually shocking to me, but I’m glad I was able to be a part of it all. Congratulations to all of the other candidates. We all looked so beautiful that night. “