The West Prairie Press

By Brecken Smith

Guess What, West Prairie? Homecoming Week is here!

Angie Hepner, a learning behavioral specialist, student council advisor, and SADD club sponsor, has been the student council advisor for 15 years. She is in charge of organizing everything our school does during Homecoming week. Mrs. Hepner started the scavenger hunt and, two years ago, added the Homecoming parade to the schedule. Last year, she also added window painting on the square in Colchester. She says it’s fun to bring in new traditions that everyone can enjoy.

Hepner enjoys being the organizer because Homecoming is her favorite part of the year.

“Homecoming is my favorite part of the year because it gives us a chance to show our Cyclone pride! I love the competition between the classes and seeing everyone get involved in the activities.”

When Are the Activities?

• Sunday, Sept. 28 (1-3 p.m.): Window Painting
• Tuesday, Sept. 30 (6:00 p.m., Sciota): Powderpuff Game
• Friday, Oct. 3 (Daytime): Assembly featuring Mr. Cyclone, Iron Man, and class games
• Friday, Oct. 3 (4:00 p.m.): Homecoming Parade
• Saturday, Oct. 4 (7-9 p.m.): Homecoming Dance

Homecoming royalty will be recognized in the parade and again at 7 p.m. at the dance. We will officially announce all royalty, along with the new King and Queen.

We worked with our resource officer, Officer Burnham, as well as the mayor, McDonough Police, and Fire Departments. When our school moved to Colchester, Mrs. Hepner suggested having a Homecoming parade since we are in a town instead of out in the middle of nowhere. The first year at the new school was the beginning of the parade tradition. Hepner’s goal is to get more of the community involved in a special way. The parade is a great tradition because it allows the community to see students in action and brings Cyclone pride into the town. It connects the school with the community in a meaningful way.

Hepner said Homecoming is about showing our Cyclone pride.

“Homecoming isn’t just about the students; it’s also about the alumni who have already graduated. It’s about showing our Cyclone pride while supporting and celebrating our community.”

How Homecoming Royalty Is Chosen

Voting for Homecoming royalty begins with Mrs. Hepner sending out a Google Form to every student in each grade. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors vote for who they want to be royalty, and Hepner then tallies the votes. For seniors, the top two girls and top two boys with the most votes are selected. Then, the whole high school votes from these finalists to choose the King and Queen.

Homecoming Royalty

• Freshman: Brynlee Finch and Ezra Bithos
• Sophomore: Niya Zimmerman and Will Butler
• Junior: Jaycee Reynoso and Timmy Todd
• Senior: Macy Branch, Brecken Smith, Jack Carpenter, and Austin Nelson

Senior Austin Nelson said he was surprised to be nominated for Homecoming royalty. His favorite Homecoming tradition is the football game on the Friday before Homecoming. He thinks it’s pretty cool to be on the Homecoming royalty.

Senior Macy Branch said she was shocked at first when she was nominated but was very happy. Her favorite Homecoming tradition is getting ready for the dance with her mom and grandma, which makes it bittersweet for her.

Senior Madelynn Sullivan said planning Homecoming is very stressful, but the outcome is always fun. She feels Homecoming is a great way to get closer with her class—and, of course, to compete against the younger students. During Homecoming week, the competitive spirit comes out in the games and dress-up days.

Senior Skylar Hunt said Homecoming week is her favorite week of the school year. It’s a time where classes come together to compete for the spirit stick. She added, “Homecoming is something you only experience in high school, so make the best of it.”

Junior Madigan Vyhnanek is excited for her first Homecoming at West Prairie. She will participate in Powderpuff and dress-up days with her friends.

Junior Jaycee Reynoso said her past Homecomings have been really fun. She loves dancing and spending time with friends. Homecoming isn’t just about dancing—it’s about enjoying time with the entire high school. Reynoso will participate in all the dress-up days and Powderpuff.

Sophomore Ashlynn Kelley is excited to see everyone dressed up. She will participate in airplane toss races, tug of war, and card pick-up, and will dress up all week.

Sophomore Niya Zimmerman said she was surprised to be voted Homecoming royalty and appreciates her peers’ support. She will participate in Powderpuff and coach Iron Man but will help her class if needed.

Sophomore Lillyann Griffitts is looking forward to her first Homecoming and will help paint the windows for her class.

Freshman Alyvia Barkley is excited for her first Homecoming. She will play in pass-the-ball and musical chair basketball games, coach Iron Man, and participate in Powderpuff.

Makenzie Tones is also excited for her first Homecoming. She will participate in the airplane-throwing game and attend with friends.

Homecoming week is a special time at West Prairie to celebrate our school, our community, and, of course, Cyclone pride! Whether it’s cheering at the games, competing in activities, or enjoying the dance, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the fun, and get ready to show your Cyclone spirit!