Float construction for the class of 2026 was hosted at Mr. Knights’ house from October fourth to the ninth to prepare it for the homecoming game. Seniors, staff, and others helped make the float, with food and drink being provided each day. Construction times lasted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the weekend, 2:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. during Monday, and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. from Tuesday to Wednesday.
Evan Benoist, a senior at RHS, helped construct the float all six days, appreciating the sense of camaraderie the activity offers. “I’ve made a lot of good friends doing this,” said Benoist. Being his second and last year constructing the float, he thinks that he will miss the vibes and experiences with people. “Talking with these people, and hearing what they’re doing after high school and where they’re going, I think that will stick with me,” Benoist said. He said that this year’s class of 2026 float is the best they’ve had, and thinks that, “we’re going to take it home,” at Friday’s game.
Colin Arriaga, a senior at RHS, helped construct the float during the last day of construction, his first time helping assemble the float in his time at RHS. Nonetheless, Arriaga found enjoyment in helping, as, “It’s literally just been hanging out and doing mindless work,” he said.
Staff at RHS were an essential part of float construction. Laura Douglas, who has been helping with the floats since the class of 2001, said that this year’s float construction is bittersweet, as she is retiring this year. “I get to work with students for four years and get to really know them, and I love our activities program. This is going to be hard,” said Douglas. “I think because … I am retiring, and this class is graduating, it has been such a uniting [event].”
