Artesia Public Schools transformed into a vibrant time capsule last week as students and faculty embraced the Artesia High School Student Council’s “Groovin’ into HoCo” theme for Homecoming 2024. The week was a whirlwind of decade-themed dress-up days, creative decorating sessions, spirited assemblies, and the beloved enchilada supper, all culminating in a spectacular Homecoming parade that echoed the groovy vibes of 1974, and of course, a thrilling Bulldog victory!
For alumni, especially those from the 60s and 70s, this year’s parade was a delightful trip down memory lane. Main Street Artesia was awash in flower power, peace signs, tie-dye patterns, and even a few classic Volkswagen buses, perfectly capturing the essence of the era.
Relive the highlights of the parade with the Homecoming Highlight Reel!
The parade floats showcased incredible creativity and school spirit. The winners were:
AHS Classes:
- 1st Place: Juniors
- 2nd Place: Seniors
- 3rd Place: Sophomores
AHS Clubs:
- 1st Place: FFA
- 2nd Place: DECA
Artesia Public Schools:
- 1st Place: Hermosa Elementary
- 2nd Place: Central Elementary
- 3rd Place: Roselawn Elementary
Community:
- 1st Place: Triple R Services
- 2nd Place: Western Bank
- 3rd Place: Artesia 4-H
Alumni:
- 1st Place: Class of 1964
Beyond the parade, Homecoming Week at AHS is never short on excitement. From “Sock It to the Panthers” Crazy Sock Day to MTV Day, Iconic Duo Day, and Throwback Thursday, every day brought a new theme and a chance to show school pride. The annual bonfire event, held east of the Administration Building, added to the festive atmosphere. Students enjoyed cornhole games, music from the Pride of the Pecos Valley band, and the classic bonfire treat – roasted marshmallows.
For a visual recap of the week’s events, click here to see photos from all the Homecoming festivities!
The crowning of the 2024 Homecoming Court was a highlight of a special Friday afternoon assembly in the AHS old boys’ gym. The court represented the grace and spirit of Artesia High School.
The Homecoming Queen, Carmen Harvey, Maid of Honor Hattie Harrison, Senior Princesses Arianna Montoya and Makaylee Morillon, Junior Attendant Brooklynne Ivans, and Sophomore Attendant Bailey Trujillo, along with crown bearer Ashton Conn and flower girl Kritley Wachter, were honored during the ceremony, creating a memorable moment for all in attendance.
This year’s Homecoming held extra significance as it marked the 50th anniversary of the legendary 1974 Artesia Bulldogs football team. During halftime at Friday’s Homecoming Game, the football program paid tribute to this undefeated team (13-0) who clinched the program’s seventh state championship in 1974. That historic victory against Deming (23-0) was also a milestone, marking Mike Phipps’ debut season as head coach. Adding to their legacy, the 1974 Bulldogs were the first Artesia team to don the iconic black jerseys, a tradition the current 2024 team honors with their black home jerseys this season.
The Golden Anniversary of the Class of 1974 was also celebrated during Homecoming. The class held their 50th reunion in Artesia and enjoyed a tour of the high school campus on Saturday, reminiscing about their school days and witnessing the changes over half a century. More photos from their visit can be found here.
The annual Yeso Elementary Enchilada Supper, a long-standing Homecoming tradition, marked its 53rd successful year. The Thunderbird PTO and APS cafeteria staff served thousands of pre-game meals at Park Junior High School cafeteria. Yeso students played a crucial role by selling tickets, contributing to the fundraiser’s success. Principal Lynn Worley expressed gratitude to Aaron Caldera, his staff, and the families for their dedication and hard work.
This year’s top ticket sellers, who collectively sold an impressive 2,650 tickets, were recognized for their efforts. Cason Frederick, Mila DeHoyos, Renezmaye Spier, Lukas Herrera Simer, Julianne Baca, Sebastian Garcia, Triston Caffall, Brynlee Carter, Grant Baldwin, and Zahriah Davis each received prizes for their outstanding contributions. Triston Caffall was the top seller, personally selling 162 tickets.
Homecoming 2024 in Artesia was more than just a week of events; it was a celebration of community, school spirit, and tradition, bridging generations and creating lasting memories. The “Groovin’ into HoCo” theme, especially evident in the parade, successfully connected the past and present, reminding everyone of the timeless appeal of school spirit and community togetherness, much like the spirit of 1974 Bulldogs.
