Homecoming Dance
By Kalli Morris
Saturday concluded what the exciting week had been building up to…the Homecoming dance. Students had been waiting for this day for months, girls have had their dresses selected and counting down to the big night while guys scrambled to remember to buy their homecoming tickets all students have been waiting with anticipation. Student Council transformed our gymnasium and instantly transported students to the glitzy and glamourous city of Vegas! For the night students were placed right in the middle of the larger than life city, with sparkling lights, opulent balloons and fabric overlay no detail was overlooked. DJ Rick made his second appearance at the Homecoming dance and while some felt the music could have been more modern everyone danced the night away and thoroughly enjoyed every moment! When students needed an escape from the constant dancing they made their way to the commons where Life at Play offered a photo both. Students could use silly props and pose with their friends and capture the moment for forever. Student Council also provided refreshments and cookies to ensure that students had something to snack on. But when the clock struck nine everyone took their seats for the presentation of Homecoming court, and waited with bubbling anticipation for who would be named King and Queen. Mackenzie Harrison, last year’s Homecoming queen came back to pass off the crown, and though her king Lugi Sardi had returned to Spain he was still recognized. As freshmen began sophomores followed and juniors in ascending order and finally senior candidates; they strutted their stuff, all had a personal handshake and unique walk making a very entertaining presentation for the crowd. Candidates Marissa McKinney and Cody Hardin were crowned this year’s King and Queen and both explain their initial reaction was shock and complete excitement. The duo danced to Sam Smith’s Stay ‘With Me’ and the rest of court followed accordingly. Marissa McKinney is student body president, varsity cheerleader and an active member within the Mascoutah community. Marissa hopes to attend Missouri S&T and become an engineer, but as the year continues she hopes to excel in her classes and lead our student body in the most positive way. Marissa explained her jubilation upon being crowned, “It was so exhilarating and an amazing experience! I wear the crown around the house even doing chores like the dishes, it makes it more exciting and I just love it THAT much!” While King, Cody Hardin does not wear his crown as regular as his counterpart he elaborates on how he is still shocked of the outcome! “I am almost in disbelief it is like a remarkable dream you hope you don’t wake up from.” Cody is an Army recruit and is graduating early so he can go off to basic training in February; he is a member of cross country and track team and dedicates his free time to his passion of running. Our deepest congratulations to Marissa and Cody! Thank you to student council and the teachers for dedicating their time in ensuring that this year’s homecomings dance go off without a hitch!
