Watertown High Celebrates 86th Legend at Homecoming

Steve Jurrens
Sep 22
2 min read

Cheerleaders in white uniforms, students in purple jerseys, and gold robes stand on bleachers and stage, clapping in a gymnasium.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - In a commanding display of tradition and unity, Watertown High School proudly presented the 86th Legend of the Arrows during its annual homecoming ceremony. First performed in 1939 by the Masked and Thespians, the Legend has become a cherished rite of passage for generations of Arrow Nation.

A large group of people in purple and gold jerseys stand and kneel on a shiny gym floor. "Home of the Arrows" is visible in the background.

This year’s ceremony invited students, families, and alumni to reflect on the school’s mythical origin story — a tale of prairie settlers, rival councils, and the forging of unity through shared leadership. The Legend’s narrative, rich with symbolism and spoken word, traced the journey from conflict to harmony as the Purple and Golden Councils became one: the Arrows.

"Heads can save a nation. Hearts can save a friend. If hands are there to lend,” the narrator proclaimed, urging students to carry the values of wisdom, compassion, and service into their future.

Cheerleaders in white uniforms perform on a gym floor. Purple and yellow bleachers are seen in the background. A crowd watches, some in jerseys.

👑 2025 Arrow Royalty Announced

As part of the ceremony, student leaders were honored with ceremonial titles and council roles:

· Champion of the Arrows: Luka Lessin

· Protector of the Purple Council: Patrick Bednarczyk

· Guardian of the Gold Council: Whitney Martinsen

Additional council members included:

· Silas Masar, Patrick Bednarczyk, Tysen Canfield — Purple Council

· Whitney Martinsen, Malia Kranz, Siri Bach — Golden Council

· Markus Pitkin, Cole Hansen, Luka Lessin — Arrow Council

Group of people in yellow and purple jerseys seated and standing on a gym floor, arms crossed and reflective surface. Stage in the background.

A Tradition That Endures

The Legend closed with a pledge to strive, learn, and lead — a message that aims to resonate across all grade levels. Seniors were reminded that their time as Arrows is short but meaningful. Juniors were encouraged to dream with purpose. Sophomores and freshmen were invited to step into the story and carry it forward.

For 86 years, the Legend has united Watertown students in shared identity and purpose. However, some in the community knew it by another term, ki-yi days, for many years. In a world of change, the Arrows remain strong — wise, proud, and truly belonging.

A-R-R-O-W-S. Arrows! Arrows! Arrows!

The entire school's calendar has also been added to our site. Please feel free to add your own events as well! www.northeastradiosd.com and email tips or information to news@northeastradiosd.com