Students prepare for homecoming week, especially Saturday's dance
by Savannah C.
During the week of September 3rd - September 7, 2024, excitement fills the air at Airport High School all week long with anticipation for spirit week, homecoming court elections, football games, and pep rallies, which will all lead up to a big dance on Saturday night.
Homecoming occurs every year at Airport High School, much like many other schools! Unfortunately, the start of homecoming week was cut off due to Labor Day, but that didn’t stop students running for Homecoming King and Queen from beginning their campaigning and celebration on Tuesday. Homecoming is definitely an exciting time for all students. For most, this is their first homecoming, due to it having been canceled a couple of times in the past.
Most of the buzz surrounds the dance this Saturday. Over the past three years that I have attended Airport High School, I have only attended one homecoming dance. In the past, most dances have been canceled due to behavior or funding issues, so it is hopeful from all students, especially seniors, that we can obtain this privilege this year.
Homecoming is set up by Mrs. Martinez and the students that are a part of student government. This group creates and designs all the ideas for homecoming. Luckily, this year Mrs. Martinez was able to convince our principal, Mr. Schilit, to allow us to have a pep rally culminating the school week as well.
As someone who is participating in homecoming this year, I can say I am quite excited, yet nervous about experiencing this with my friends. It is important to remember to keep this event professional and kind towards everyone.
To kick off homecoming, we have been able to participate in different spirit days. Tuesday was twin day, Wednesday was anything but a backpack, Thursday was when teachers dress as students, and vice versa, and Friday is Pajama day.
Voting for King and Queen ends on Friday, as the homecoming King will be announced during our fourth block pep rally. The Queen, however, will be announced during half-time at our Friday night football game against Orangeburg - Wilkinson. Homecoming Queen Candidates are Savannah Chappell, Janiyah Hicks, Riley Koellner, Ja'mya Jivers, Tramaya Steans, Destaney Bochette, Jayda Johnson, Alyssa Ceacal, Addison Allen, Zyon Hammond, Ja'onnah Chestnut, Katherine Clayton, Rayne-Marie Morris, Alyssa Ridgeway, Margaret Wright, and Hannah Beckham. Homecoming King Candidates are, Harry Patterson, Michael Crosland, Carson King, Gavin Shuler, Jeremiah Gilchrist, Joel Guess, Cooper Langford, Keshawn Tyler, Bryant Cherry, Riley Wilbourne, Christopher Roach, and Brice Gillette.
When interviewed about how she feels about being a part of homecoming court this year, Katie C., an Airport student said, “To me, it means that I'm a part of school spirit and doing all of the fun stuff my senior year!” It's thrilling to see that many students enjoy taking on school spirit and making the most out of these little moments.
When asked what she was most excited about for homecoming week, Ja’sia B., an Airport student said, “The pep rally and the game, hopefully whoever we play puts up some good competition and it’ll be a good game.” Many students are looking forward to cheering on our eagles, and getting a good turnout for our fun events.
All around, this event is definitely an exciting time for all high school students. It is important to participate in events like this, because it is something that they will remember once they get out of high school. It is special to hold onto memories like these, and celebrate these privileges that we get to have.
If you would like to stay on top of all homecoming activities, you can follow @ahs_stu_gov on Instagram, as well as check out the Airport High School webpage https://ahs.lex2.org/.