Tradition of Homecoming
By Mona Lease 

Hi, all!! Homecoming is the tradition of welcoming back the alumni of a school. It can include student and alumni activities and a parade through the town. Usually, Homecoming consists of a football game played on the school's home field. The parade features the school's Marching Band and the Coronation or Crowning of the Homecoming Queen and sometimes a King. When Homecoming is attached to a football game, Homecoming traditionally occurs on the team's return from the longest road trip of the season. Typically, the home team plays a weaker team for an "easy win"...weaker schools will sometimes play a lower division school. The origins of Homecoming are from colleges and universities since the mid 1800's. Baylor University of Waco, Texas can trace it's Homecoming history back to 1909. 

A Homecoming Court is nominated by students. The Nominees are usually students who have done much to contribute to their school. There is then a vote. Secret Ballot voting is usually used. Local rules apply but, the big announcement is usually a few days before the football game, usually at a Pep Rally. If it is a same sex school - A King and Prince are chosen. An all girl school would choose a Queen and a Princess. Most schools crown their royalty at the football game. Usually the previous year's Royalty returns to crown their successors. The Queen is usually crowned first, followed by the King. The Court, or the ones not chosen as King and Queen are expected to participate in all of the activities prior to and including Homecoming. Usually a Tailgate Party or Dance follows the game with the King and Queen dancing the first dance. 

On the field are the teams' mascots and weather permitting - a bonfire of some type. Spirits are high and anticipation fills the air. Cheerleaders dig deeply for their personal best as pom-poms fly. "Yea Team fills the air and echoes from the bleachers. Homecoming unofficially marks the start of the fall season as the trees shed their leaves and Jack Frost lets you know he's near by. To Old GHS we say "May you have a winning year. May your grip be strong and your foot sure.." 

"Onward Greenville.. Onward Greenville... On to Victory..... For it's fight, fight, fight to win the battle.... Here's to Old GHS." 

Remember the kiddies and our service people. Take good care of the furry and feathered ones out there. Be safe and healthy. See ya next time. Ever Toodles!! MONA