NEDERLAND - Starting on October 6, 2025, Nederland Middle-Senior High School (NMSHS) celebrated Homecoming 2025 (HOCO 2025) for the week. 

The school halls have been decorated and students and staff have dressed up with a different theme each day and celebrated this long standing tradition.

On Thursday, classes were shortened so a game of Powder Puff Football could be played on the high school field at the end of the day.

On Friday the school day ended with a pep rally in the high school gym, where students grades 6-12 and staff gathered for games and to build school community spirit. There was a basketball shootout, a three-legged race, and the ever popular pie eating contest. 

In a small community that needed a boost and a “we will keep going” cheer, the parade on Saturday was a welcome respite.

The freshman float was a very colorful pool party theme. The Class of 2029 looked very relaxed with their floaties as they threw out candy for onlookers. The sophomores were dressed very formally and were blowing bubbles on their wedding-themed float. 

A masquerade ball-themed float was presented by the junior class. With their masks, costumes, and decorations they brought a touch of elegance.

Then Class 2026 came down the road, cheering loudly with the rave party theme. They left no doubt who they were as they yelled in unison, “Seniors, Seniors!” 

The Panther Parents then hosted the annual Homecoming BBQ at NMSHS before the soccer game. Money raised will be going to people impacted by the Lakeview Fire. Students at NMSHS have also started raising money to help with the losses from the fire.

The fire at the Caribou Shopping Center affects the youth in the community in powerful ways. 

Nederland's 2025 Homecoming Royalty are seniors Abby Hess and Drew Hertzfeld, juniors Amika Begin and Simon Schlosser, sophomores Penny Bodnar and Naima Bullings, freshman Isla Harmon and Dylan Ralph.

Despite some rain early in the match the HOCO soccer game between Nederland and William Smith took place.

It was exciting for a few reasons. It is HOCO 2025 and the Panthers have been playing on a new field all season. Thanks to Boulder Valley School District voters, the bond issue has paid for a new track and field at NMSHS. There is a new shock pad underneath the turf and the field shows markers every five yards. The field greets visitors with “Welcome to 8,410 feet.”

The Nederland boys’ soccer team is second in their league and has an overall 6-4 record. Coach Gonzalez says of the Panthers, “They are a strong team and they play as a team. They are strong physically. They are strong mentally.”

The game against William Smith was a tight, evenly-matched contest. Sophomore Julian Ralph was the first to score with an assist from senior Orion Schimberg. 

William Smith tied the game on a penalty kick. 

As the game progressed neither team relented in energy. 

Gonzalez coaches with constant positivity, reiterating “believe in what you are doing, and do not give up.” The players respond to his coaching with a desire to improve and a mutual respect between players and coach.

He says, “It is my honor and privilege to coach these players and be part of Ned.”

The Panthers put another point on the scoreboard late in the game. Freshman Dylan Ralph had a free kick. With a masterful kick toward the goal, junior Simon Schlosser put the ball in the net. Point Schlosser, assist Dylan Ralph. 

The game ended with a Panther HOCO victory, 2-1. 

The Panthers’ defensive line is solid, with years of experience of playing together. In the net was sophomore Tad Collins; not much got by him. The forwards were fast and their footwork showed dedication, skill, and stamina. 

Playing for the Panthers this season are: Seniors - Drew Hertzfeld, Liam Robertson, Leo Filippello, Indio Koonz, Mason Ivey, Orion Schimberg. Junior - Simon Schlosser. Sophomores - Artan Moran, Casey Hambourger, Tad Collins, Julian Ralph. Freshmen - Paul Garrigou, Jenson Prahl, Dylan Ralph, Caiden Stackpole, Gideon Livingston. 

Pride in Ned was definitely the theme of this year’s Homecoming.