Delavan High School was buzzing with retro energy and community spirit on Friday, September 26, as students, families, and alumni gathered for the annual Carnival fundraiser. Designed to give classes and clubs a unified opportunity to raise money—without overwhelming the community with separate fundraisers—the event once again proved that Delavan knows how to celebrate together.

This year’s theme, “Small Town, Big Memories,” invited each class to represent a different decade, transforming the cafeteria into a time-traveling feast of sights, sounds, and snacks:

• The Freshmen embraced the bold colors and pop culture of the 1980s, with faculty sponsors Theo Allen and Kelsi Lane.
• The Sophomores discoed into the 1970s, with faculty sponsors Jake Tierney and Tabby Gage.
• The Juniors brought peace and flavor from the 1960s, with faculty sponsors Nate Brooks and Kyle Liechty.
• The Seniors went full sock-hop with a 1950s diner-style booth, with faculty sponsors Steve Dare and Brandi Clendenny.

Each class also performed a comical lip-sync skit featuring hits from their assigned decade, drawing cheers from the packed gymnasium. The Junior class took top honors in the Lip Sync contest, thanks in part to Seanik Gagliardi’s unforgettable Elvis impersonation, which had the crowd all shook up. Not to be outdone, the Senior class earned the coveted food booth award for their delicious and nostalgic 50s diner setup, and wowed the audience with Nick Glisson’s acrobatic portrayal of Mr. Steve Dare, which added a surprise twist of athleticism and humor to their skit.

The evening concluded with the crowning of Carnival King Lyndon Miller and Queen Kaitlyn Cisneros, who beamed with pride as the crowd erupted in applause.

Of course, none of it would have been possible without the tireless dedication of Nicole Phillips—affectionately known as Mrs. P—alongside Michelle Bailey and Angie Vannaken, whose behind-the-scenes coordination and unwavering support brought the Carnival to life.

From themed booths to throwback tunes, standout performances to spirited competition, the 2025 Delavan High School Carnival was more than a fundraiser—it was a joyful celebration of community, creativity, and class pride.