The spirit of the Bulldogs is stronger than ever as Okmulgee Public Schools kicks off its 2025 Homecoming Week, a five-day celebration of school pride, community tradition, and championship legacy under the fitting theme: “Home of the Champions.” From themed dress-up days and a high-energy block party to the long-awaited return to a newly renovated historic Harmon Stadium, the community is gearing up for a week of festivities unlike any other. — A Week of Champions: Themed dress-up days build excitement Homecoming Week officially begins Tuesday, Sept. 23, with “Tournament of Champions” Day, encouraging students and staff to wear gear from their favorite sports teams. Whether it’s dunking for the Lakers, scoring for the Cowboys or kicking goals for the Sooners, it’s a day to celebrate all kinds of athletic spirit.

On Wednesday, it’s all about class pride for “Class of Champions” Day. Students across campuses will represent their class colors:

• OHS: Seniors (Black), Juniors (Red), Sophomores (Grey), Freshmen (White)

• Dunbar: 8th (Black), 7th (Red), 6th (Grey), 5th (White)

• Primary: 4th (Black), 3rd (Red), 2nd (Grey), 1st (White), Kindergarten (Black), Pre-K (Red) The hallways and classrooms will be bursting with Bulldog color as each class competes for the ultimate bragging rights.

Thursday takes a creative twist with “History of Champions” Day. Students are invited to dress as champions from any era-whether it’s a music legend like Freddie Mercury, a sports icon like Serena Williams, or even a pop culture figure like Bob Ross. The day honors the idea that “time comes and goes, but legends are made.”

The energy builds to a fever pitch on Friday, the grand finale: “Home of Champions” Day, when the community is urged to “show out with your school spirit!” Red, black, grey, and white will blanket the town as chants of “Go Bulldogs!” echo through the halls and streets. A rallying cry echoes from the promotional materials: “This is our day. It’s time to shine. Come on, Bulldogs, win this fight!”

— Pep Rally & Ceremony at Renovated Harmon Stadium All roads lead to the renovated Harmon Stadium, where this year’s pep rally, football game and Homecoming ceremony will take place. On Friday at 9 a.m., students, faculty and families will gather for a spirited pep rally that marks the triumphant return to the stadium, which has undergone a major facelift.

“There’s nothing like Bulldog football under the lights at Harmon,” said one alumni coach. “The updates have brought new life to this historic venue, and it’s only fitting that we return during Homecoming-a celebration of where we’ve been and where we’re going.”

— Events Galore: Block Party, Parade & Alumni Breakfast

Homecoming isn’t just for students. Alumni and the entire community are invited to participate in several special events throughout the week:

• Block Party – Thursday, Sept. 25, 5-8 p.m. at the Brock Gym parking lot – Music, games, food vendors, and reunions await as families and former Bulldogs come together for a night of fun and fellowship.

• Parade – Friday, Sept. 26, at 4 p.m. on Main Street (lineup at 3:30 p.m. at Brock Gym) – Floats, cheerleaders, the Knight Brigade, football players and community leaders will march down Main Street in a classic small-town tradition that stirs up pride across generations.

• Homecoming Ceremony – Friday, Sept. 26, at Harmon Stadium (halftime) – The crowning of Homecoming royalty will cap off the week’s festivities in a halftime ceremony that honors student leadership and school pride.

• Okmulgee FFA Alumni Breakfast – Tuesday, Sept. 24, 8-9:30 a.m. at the Okmulgee Ag Building (610 N. Central Ave.) – Former FFA members are invited to reconnect, share stories, and support the Ag program during this special breakfast gathering. For more info, contact Ms. Stewart at bstewart@okmulgeeps. com. — A Bulldog Tradition: Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog

As alumni from near and far plan reunions and former students return to their hometown roots, the Homecoming theme “Home of the Champions” resonates beyond just the athletic field. It represents the legacy of generations of Okmulgee Bulldogs who have built the district into what it is today.

Whether you’re a former graduate, a current student, a proud parent, or a community member cheering from the sidelines, this week is your time to show your Bulldog pride. Bring your voice, your colors, and your memories-and help make this Homecoming Week one to remember.

For parade or event participation inquiries, contact kcunningham@okmulgeeps.com or khushbeck@ okmulgeeps.com.