One of the biggest times of the year has just passed for AHS—Homecoming. This year was one of the most exciting, with the typical Homecoming traditions—spirit week themes and pep assemblies—being mixed in with Abilene vs. Chapman rivalry week. 

“The stadium pulse was so vast and eccentric, and the battle between the homecoming queens was so personal,” junior Deandre Davis said. 

The spirit week themes were Monday- “I Woke Up Like This,” Tuesday- “White Lie,” Wednesday- “Rhyme Without Reason,” Thursday- “I Had Nowhere to Wear This,” and Friday- “Jersey Day.” 

“[On] Friday, everyone wearing jerseys was fun to see the school spirit show,” senior Ethan Evans said. 

The pep assembly consisted of games that brought participation from all classes and the Homecoming queen candidates, such as Finish the Lyric, Guess the Teacher, Hungry Hungry Hippos, and Musical Chairs. The winning class of the pep assembly was the seniors, bringing them one step closer to gaining the grand prize at the end of the school year. 

The Homecoming court candidates were seniors Jada Richardson, Hope Dannefer, Annastyn Waite, Ryleigh Farson, and Addison Black. 

The 2026 Homecoming Queen was Jada Richardson, who was announced as the winner Friday, September 18, at halftime of the football game. 

“It felt great to win, but just getting to be up with all of the other girls was the best part,” Jada Richardson said. 

The Cowboys football team ended up falling short to their rival, the Chapman Irish, with a score of 42–7.