Homecoming 2024 was definitely one to remember. From Hurricane Helene wiping out our parade plans to the King and Queen announcements being rescheduled for over a week after they were supposed to be done, this year’s Homecoming was one for the grandkids. However, these various tragedies didn’t break the spirits of Cass High School’s students down! This especially can be said for our court, class officers, and football players alike.

Preparations for this year’s Homecoming started with the setting up of parade floats. This was led by students from the Court, student officers, and club members alike. Obviously, due to the hurricane, no parade was held, but that doesn’t mean the efforts were for naught. Earlier in the year, our senior secretary Mackenzie Cornett referenced a Leadership Retreat that the officers went to over the summer. She said, “[It] really helped us get a headstart on planning… [and] getting an early onset of community building.” She says that the hurricane ruining the parade was disheartening, as she and the other senior officers had gone and bought supplies just a few days before, but she says that the outcome of Homecoming as a whole made the highs higher than the lows.

The same can be said for our wonderful court! The hurricane provided challenges for them as well. sophomore representative, Isla Owens, who said that the hurricane almost delayed her dresses arriving on time! Despite this struggle, she said, “This is my first year in court, so I’m really excited that I was able to represent my… class, because it’s a big deal… it means that you mean a lot to your class.” Isla is so grateful for the people who supported her on the difficult journey to homecoming stardom. She cited that being on court was very exciting, as she wasn’t nominated last year. The same can be said for our wonderful Homecoming Royalty, Ms. Jimena Perez and Mr. Ja’kai Baldwin! Jimena said, “I feel very honored to have been chosen as Homecoming Queen… I’m filled with joy and gratitude.” Neither the King nor the Queen were expecting to be chosen by their peers, so they’re both very appreciative of the honor.

Despite the horrible weather, the homecoming game was still on, and it turned out to be a rewarding experience. The Cass High football team brought home a win right before the homecoming dance, bringing them their fourth win of the season. Cass not only had a good game, they also had an exciting dance as well. All of the homecoming events were enjoyable, they brought lots of entertainment and fun to Cass High School.

Members of our football team were feeling great before the game and were ready to take the field against Woodland. They had an engaging week of practice prior to the game that had set them up for success. Kail Ellis, a member of the offensive line said, “I feel like we prepared ourselves really well that week. Our team was working real hard.” The hard work definitely paid off and was evident by the game on Friday. During the game the team made a lot of terrific plays. Bear Mcwhorter, a junior on the Cass High football team said, “We came together and ran the ball really well. Our quarterback, Elijah Slocum made a lot of good plays as well, it was a great game for us overall.” Cass was able to score 42 points leaving Woodland in the dust with only 6. This win left the boys in blue thrilled to take on their future opponents.

The celebration wasn’t over as the homecoming dance was the next day. Homecoming was a night to remember for most students, it’s a night filled with excitement, anticipation, and unforgettable memories. Our students brought their fashion A-games that night. The cafeteria was decorated perfectly for the theme of the dance which was the ‘Golden age of Hollywood’.  Every student has a different experience, some students find the dance fun and others may find it boring. However, homecoming isn’t only a dance, it’s a celebration of school spirit and friendship. It is a special time filled with pride and joy, as well as the spirit of our entire school body. These events help bring students together in a community as they let loose and have fun for a night. The Cass High School’s homecoming was a true display of grit and perseverance proving to be a great opportunity for all students and a splendid tradition.