We had another amazing Homecoming week, which meant a new court.

This year, the freshman court included Arabella Barbee and Tyshiauna Ransom. Lija Abele, Soji Bedsole, Kyla Diei, and Cassia Fabby were members of the sophomore court. The junior court included Madison Abedi, Kennedy Beams, Brayla Fearn, Hope Heffernan, Aditi Limaye, and Peyton Ward.

The senior guys were Spencer Adkins, Sean Bailey, Sam Barnes, Sam Barr, Kyan Brown, Rishi Doreswamy, Jack Forrest, Isaiah Hatchett, and Price Howard while the senior girls included Aija Abele, Kemi Anderson, Nirah Burwell, Bonnie Dickerson, Emily Jenkins, Kassidy Locke, Anna O’Donnell, Michaela Philip, and Chloe Smith.

At the football homecoming game against Grissom High School, Emily Jenkins was crowned as this year’s Homecoming Queen.

“Overall, being on the court with the other girls was a great experience and I really enjoyed it, especially being able to ride in the parade with Chloe Smith, spend time at the football game, and attend the court dinner with everyone.” In addition, Emily stated, “being in the band made the football game really special. I loved being able to hear them play from a fan’s point of view. I know they were really excited for me as well; it was like having your whole family with you.”

In addition to the homecoming queen, Rishi Doreswamy was crowned Homecoming King at the dance Saturday night. Kiara Gunn, a senior at Bob Jones, noted, “Rishi is always down for a conversation, and he is so nice.”

Many of the Homecoming court members enjoyed their experience and believed that their involvement made an impact on themselves and those around them. Aditi Limaye, a junior court member, expressed how she loved the adventure, both individually and with her friends.

“Being on the court was an honor, and I loved all of it! Knowing that my class was standing behind me every step of the way was amazing, and definitely the best part. The court spotlight showed my friends and I how powerful an action can be and helped us channel all our actions to represent the kindest person we can be.”

As a tradition here, all Bob Jones students were able to vote for their favorite classmates to make the court. Those who were voted had the unique opportunity of representing and supporting Bob Jones throughout Homecoming week as a part of the court. Michaela Phillip, a senior member, was actually overwhelmed and shocked when she found out her classmates had nominated her.

“Being on Homecoming Court was an amazing experience! Honestly, the senior court this year had some of the most incredible people I’ve ever met and they really made the whole experience a lot of fun. There were girls on the court that I’ve known since elementary school or middle school, and getting to share this experience with them was such a blessing. I remember during pictures when the senior girls took a group picture, all the boys started yelling, cheering, and hyping us up, so we did the same thing for them, and it was just a great feeling to be a part of such a kind, fun, and diverse group.”

“Homecoming week has always been my favorite week of the year because I love all of our traditions and dress up days and, even though being on court made my week a lot busier, it made it so much fun and an experience I definitely won’t forget.”

The members of the Homecoming Court actually had a lot of responsibilities throughout the month of October. Earlier in the month, they all dressed up for program pictures and attended a court dinner at Main Street Cafe. During Homecoming week, they waved to the crowds in the annual Homecoming parade and made an appearance with their escort at the football game Friday night. All throughout the month, this year’s Homecoming court members had lots of fun supporting Bob Jones High School along with our community, but did you know the true purpose of homecoming? Mrs. Lambert, our principal, believes that Homecoming week festivities are more about school and community participation.

“The true purpose of homecoming is to invite and welcome BJHS alumni back to the school. This year, the BJ Class of 2007 planned a 10 year reunion attending the BJ football game and enjoying a game tailgate to reunite with their classmates and their families. Another purpose of our homecoming is to recognize and honor our BJ Hall of Fame inductees for their contributions and accomplishments in our community and in society.”

From spirit dress up days to classroom door decorating to the Homecoming parade, all of the Bob Jones students and staff members were involved. The 2017 Homecoming was definitely one to remember.