Homecoming is always a fun time at University Academy. On Sept. 21, 2024 the UA community enjoyed the culminating day of this year’s Homecoming festivities.
The theme for this year was Candyland, which was voted on by last year’s Student Council members.
Mrs. Lashonette Kemp, the Upper School principal, said, “I love that the Student Council creates the theme. Student voice is important to me, and I will support their ideas as much as I can.”
Before the day of Homecoming arrived, the school celebrated Spirit Week. On Monday, the theme was Nerds vs. Warheads, and students could dress as either nerds or jocks. The next day was Big League Chew, which had people in sports gear. Wednesday’s theme was Life Savers, and people could dress as first responders. Then, StarBurst was the dress code on Thursday, with space-related outfits encouraged. Friday’s theme was “A Sweet Escape,” and people wore their Homecoming shirts and jeans.
The pep rally on Sept. 20, 2024 included the cheerleaders, the Homecoming court, the presentation of class floats and a students versus staff ultimate frisbee game, which the staff won.
The floats were built with a grocery cart and a $50 budget. Each class’ float had a different twist and focus, all under the Candyland theme.
The court candidates announced at the pep rally were juniors Alisa Garrett, Amialynn Stuckey and Brooke Williams for princess, and juniors Cameron McFarlin, Jarel Stone and Julian Wilson for prince. The senior queen and king candidates included Ashlee Ford, Aaliyah Lee, Raven Kemp, Keaton Davis, Keith Haltiwanger and Jamin Wilson.
Prior to the big day, Alisa Garrett, the StuCo president, said, “I am most excited for setting up with my StuCo members, or I am excited for the parade, or even running for court, which is exciting. It’s all super exciting and hard to choose.”
When the day of Homecoming arrived, festivities were supposed to kick off with a parade featuring class floats, but unfortunately it was canceled because of rain. The next event of the day was the tailgate, which the rain also put a bit of a damper on.
At 1 p.m., the football game against Benton High School kicked off. The game was won by The Co-op with a 16-0 score.
At halftime, exciting announcements were made. Williams and Wilson were named princess and prince, and Ford and Davis were crowned queen and king. It was also announced that the seniors won the float competition, with juniors earning second place and sophomores finishing in third.
Finally, students were able to dress up and enjoy the dance in the cafeteria that Saturday evening. People danced the night away, had fun taking pictures, and socialized and bonded with their peers.
Garrett said she finds Homecoming to be a time for school pride. It is also the perfect time to really show school spirit and have fun with the friendly class wars.
“It’s about school/district pride,” Mrs. Kemp said. “It’s also about creating and maintaining positive UA traditions.”
Anytime the school community comes together for a positive common goal, it builds school pride for all, she said.
Garrett is incredibly excited and proud of Student Council’s efforts, and she said she’s thankful for the leadership of the StuCo sponsors, Dr. Leah Edens and Ms. Mallory Skinner.
Mrs. Kemp also expressed her gratitude.
“We have lots of people making Homecoming such a successful and positive event,” she said. She shouted out to Lower School, Middle School, Upper School, central office, University Academy Foundation and the maintenance team for participating and helping to make Homecoming an amazing event.
