Bucks Bring the Heat: Parade and Bonfire Light Up Homecoming Week

By Autumn Gavlock
RENOVO – Bucktail Area High School kicked off its 2025 Homecoming Week with a spirited parade and roaring bonfire Wednesday evening, bringing together students, families, and the greater Renovo community in celebration of school spirit, athletic achievement, and tradition.

The festivities began at 6:00 p.m., as the annual homecoming parade marched proudly down Huron Avenue, ending at 16th Street Park where a massive crowd gathered to rally behind the Bucktail Bucks and Lady Bucks. The event also coincided with the kickoff of the town’s highly anticipated Flaming Foliage Festival weekend, drawing even more fans to the area.

Led by the spirited Bucktail Marching Band, under the direction of Miss Abby Novak, the parade was filled with music, energy, and school pride. The band performed several crowd pleasing pieces, including On Wisconsin, Tusk, and We Will Rock You, setting the perfect tone for the evening. During the bonfire, the band continued their performance with school favorites Here We Go Bucktail and Let’s Go Bucks.Their lively performances kept spirits high and helped unite the community in celebration of Bucktail pride.

Among the band’s standout performers was Senior Kedda Bissman, on saxophone and member of the 2025 Homecoming Court. In a display of her dedication, Bissman set down her saxophone at the bonfire to take her place in the homecoming court lineup.It was a moment that perfectly captured the balance of school pride and personal achievement that defines Bucktail students.

The 2025 Senior Homecoming Court was both featured and recognized at the parade and bonfire.The court consists of four couples: Laura Ransom and Evan Ransom, Kendall Wagner and Nate Steele,Kedda Bissman and Joey Bunsick,and  Emiliana DeMarte and Collin Bixler. The Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned during halftime of Friday night’s varsity football game.

From athletics to academics, Bucktail students continue to excel in every aspect of school life. Many student-athletes are also active leaders in clubs, music, and other extracurriculars, making each Homecoming King and Queen candidate a truly deserving representative of the Bucktail community. All nominees are exceptional students and young adults with bright and promising futures ahead.

Adding to the spirit, Bucktail Cheerleaders, led by Coach Mandy Ditty, brought high energy to both the parade and bonfire, cheering on each sports team and igniting enthusiasm in the crowd.These enthusiastic young ladies exemplify school spirit.  

The evening’s highlight, a towering bonfire, was ceremonially set by members of the Bucktail varsity football team. Head Coach Kevin Ransom and the Bucks are gearing up for Friday night’s big homecoming game against Cameron County, a much-anticipated rematch from earlier in the season.

As in years past, the bonfire served as a time-honored Bucktail tradition, celebrating the achievements of the school’s fall sports teams. One standout this season is the Lady Bucks Tennis Team, coached by Dan Heiser, who wrapped up their regular season with an impressive 12-1 record—earning the title of Mid-Penn Conference Champions. The team will host Lewisburg in the first round of the District 4 playoffs on Thursday, October 9.

On the junior high level, the Fall Junior High Softball Team concluded their season with a 5-5 record. Head Coach Poorman expressed pride in the team’s growth and development over the season. Junior High Football, led by Head Coach Bruce Ransom was recognized and it was announced that they will face South Williamsport on Thursday night,10/9 as part of the ongoing homecoming celebrations.

As the town of Renovo prepares for a weekend filled with Homecoming celebrations and the Flaming Foliage Festival, Wednesday’s parade and bonfire set the perfect tone for what promises to be a memorable few days for all.