Camdenton was awash in purple and gold on Friday as the town celebrated Homecoming with a district-wide parade, football game, and crowning of a new high school king and queen... but a fire nearly put a damper on the day.Â
The annual parade, led by Grand Marshall and Educator of the Year Mr. Buxton, started at 12:45 p.m., Oct. 9. Cheerleaders, band members, athletes, and more traveled through the campus as students and staff cheered.Â
The celebration briefly took a turn when one of the vehicles in the parade caught fire.
Dogwood Elementary teacher Laura Thompson rushed back into the school and grabbed a fire extinguisher. She handed it off to School Resource Officer Jessica Baughman, who quickly put out the flames.
The Camdenton R-III School District said everyone was safe thanks to the quick response of Thompson and Baughman.
"Thank you, Officer Baughman, for always looking out for our Lakers and being ready to step up when it matters most," the district said in a Facebook post. "Thank you, Laura, for jumping into action and helping keep everyone safe. That's what Lakers do!"
Later that evening at the game, Hurricane Deck Elementary educator and 2004 Camdenton graduate Melissa Bouchard was honored in the "Legacy Booth." She represented the district as a Regional Teacher of the Year for Missouri. Bouchard was recognized for her lasting impact on generations of Lakers, while she and three guests watched the game from one of the booths at Bob Shore Stadium.
The game itself was perhaps the best of the season so far. Even with a couple of starters out with injuries, one too many penalties, and some chippy behavior from the visitors — in this writer's slightly biased opinion — the Lakers beat Columbia Hickman 28-21. Even if you weren't at the game, you probably heard the fireworks!
At halftime, the homecoming court presentation took place, with princes and princesses dressed to the nines and senior candidates awaiting the coronation. Jack Johno was crowned king, and Madison Hollingsworth was crowned queen.
Both are members of the Pride of the Lake Marching Band, which recently placed second in the Open Class finals at the Branson Marching Invitational. The band also opened the game with its Wonka-esque performance and the National Anthem.
Members of the 1986 State Championship football team were also welcomed back. Film from their team played over the jumbotron. The championship team members were recognized during halftime 40 years later, with many still living and working in the area.Â
Overall, Camdenton's Homecoming 2026 was one for the books.Â
