Hines Middle School and Burns High School prepare for action-packed early October festivities

By Mindy McKerrall on Wednesday, September 30th, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Eastern/Southeast Oregon Top Stories

HARNEY COUNTY-Local students across Harney County are gearing up for an event-filled first full week of October, with Hines Middle School and Burns High School announcing detailed schedules for themed spirit dress-up days, fundraisers, and community athletic events.

Hines Middle School will host its annual “CAN Cancer Week” from October 5 through October 8, combining school spirit with cancer awareness and community fundraising.

Throughout the week, students can participate in themed dress-up days while contributing to the cause:

Monday, Oct. 5 (Pajama Day): Students are invited to kick off the week lounging in their favorite pajamas all day.
Tuesday, Oct. 6 (Twin Day): Students can match outfits with a classmate or teacher. In addition, students can pay $1 to wear a hat for the day, with proceeds supporting CAN Cancer initiatives.
Wednesday, Oct. 7 (Decades Day): Retro dress options range from ’60s and ’70s hippie styles to ’80s neon and ’90s grunge.
Thursday, Oct. 8 (Scottie Swag Day): Students show off school pride by wearing green and gold or their best Scottie gear.

The awareness week concludes on Saturday, October 10, with a “Pink Out” home tournament. Community members and families are encouraged to cheer on the HMS Volleyball “A” Team starting at 10:00 a.m. at Burns High School.

Burns High School will celebrate “Hilander Homecoming 2026” beginning with hall decorating from October 2 to October 4 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with staff present) and continuing through the week of October 5–10.

The week features daily spirit themes and evening events open to supporters:

Monday, Oct. 5 (Monochrome Monday): Dress in single-color outfits.
Tuesday, Oct. 6 (’90s Wear): Retro dress day. At 6:30 p.m., students and spectators can head to the gym for Macho Volleyball ($5 admission).
Wednesday, Oct. 7 (Country vs. Country Club): Choose between western wear and preppy attire. The evening features competitive Dodgeball at 6:30 p.m. ($5 admission).
Thursday, Oct. 8 (Hilander Day): Show ultimate school spirit in Hilander colors. The annual Powderpuff Football Game kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ($5 admission).
Friday, Oct. 9 (Friday Night Football): The Hilanders take the field at 7:00 p.m. for the main Homecoming football game.
Saturday, Oct. 10 (HOCO Dance): Homecoming festivities wrap up with the official Homecoming Dance from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at The Palace. Tickets are priced at $25 for a single ticket or two for $40.

BHS students are reminded to check their grades and complete sign-up sheets in the main office to participate in upcoming homecoming activities.