Homecoming celebrated with Charlie Brown
Posted by The Skyliner on October 21st, 2009Samantha Mayo
Staff Writer
The Homecoming Court smiles for a photo with NGU President Dr. Jimmy Epting. Katie Potter, sixth from left, was crowned Homecoming Queen. (Jenny Farnham)
The rain came down and the temperatures dropped during homecoming week, but not even the weather could stop North Greenville University’s homecoming festivities. From Wednesday to Saturday, students celebrated homecoming Peanuts style with activities to go along with this year’s Charlie Brown homecoming theme.
The homecoming celebration finale included a Charlie Brown parade leading up to the big game and the announcement of this year’s homecoming queen on Saturday.
Several campus clubs and organizations, including the Student Marketing Association, marching band, historical society and campus ambassadors created Peanuts -themed floats. Woodstocks, Snoopies, Lucys and Charlie Browns galore made a circuit past the student center, throwing candy to parade watchers.
Later on that day, in spite of frigid temperatures, NGU fans showed up to the Crusaders vs. Golden Eagles football game, enthusiastic and ready to cheer for both the crusaders and the homecoming queen candidates.
At halftime, following a performance by the marching band, the homecoming court was presented to the crowd. Representatives from 12 different campus organizations appeared on the homecoming court. Last year’s homecoming queen Keri Gibson, 2009 graduate, also made an appearance.
After the homecoming court was presented, the homecoming queen and runners up were announced. Brother Sister Fellowship’s Toni Alexander, junior history, and Crusaders Outdoor Adventure and Recreation representative Meredith Casey, senior outdoor leadership, tied for second runner up. The first runner up was Bethany Sarazen, senior theater, representing Theatron.
Katie Potter, junior early childhood education, from Baptist Student Union was crowned 2009 homecoming queen.
“I’m just in shock right now because I really didn’t think I would win. But it’s such an honor to be able to have people who care enough about you to vote and just the support I’ve had throughout this whole process … I have the best friends who were there through everything,” Potter said.
The overall winners for the homecoming club and organization contest were also announced during halftime. Third place was awarded to Campus Ambassadors. Theatron placed second and Marching Band won first place.
In order to win the competition, clubs and organizations accumulated points by collecting items for a food drive, organizing service projects and participating in contests throughout homecoming week.
The club and organization contests began on Wednesday with a “mystery” pumpkin carving contest. The SMA took the prize for the mystery contest with a detailed carving of Charlie Brown’s face.
On Thursday, club members dressed up as Peanuts characters to participate in the Peanuts character contest. BSU won first place with Peanuts character masks while BSF came in second with its 2009 updated version of the Peanuts cast, including tombstones for Snoopy and Woodstock who didn’t quite make it to 2009.
The clubs also chose representatives to dress in as much red as possible for the “I said be red” contest. Most competitors appeared dressed in layers of red clothing from head to toe. Some even painted their faces and decorated their hair red. The campus ambassadors had the most red and won the contest.
The homecoming competitions also included a scavenger hunt, a game of “win, lose or draw” and a “Family Feud” game show.
The final evening of competitions, students and club members attended a carnival hosted by student services. Despite heavy rain, students showed up to joust, complete obstacle courses and ride on a giant slide.
NGU students enjoyed a Charlie Brown homecoming with enthusiasm and excitement all weekend.
Tags: Fall 2009, Vol. 109 - Issue 6