Homecoming is a long-standing tradition at North Augusta High School. Many people are familiar with the homecoming football game and the crowning of a Homecoming Queen, but most are unfamiliar with all it takes to be on the Homecoming court and what the experience is like for those who choose to participate.
Numerous young women with unique backgrounds and interests decide to run for Homecoming Queen. The court ranges from those involved in band, sports, choir, and clubs. North Augusta High School seniors Claudia Elvira, DaJanaé Sanders, Lily Butler, Bella Waters, and Vivica Birt shed light on what Homecoming means to them.
Homecoming is organized by Student Council, with Mr. Spears, Lily Butler, and Bella Waters heading the Homecoming Committee. Due to the delayed start of school, there was less time to prepare for the big day. Butler says, “[we] spent many hours making sure everything would run smoothly on such short notice.” Meanwhile, Waters notes, “the process of getting to put it all together and plan every little detail was so rewarding and fun.”
The hard work before and during Homecoming night was what most candidates found to be rewarding. They enjoyed the process of making a video for the pep rally, as well as getting dressed up for the game. Sanders’s favorite part was having her headshot taken because “it was nice to see how her friend who took the photo sees her as a person.” Others say that their favorite part was Homecoming night. Elvira says, “I was very anxious; however, I was more excited about dressing up and feeling pretty,” while Birt says, “My favorite part of the experience would’ve had to have been creating the escort video and getting ready for the big day.”
Each person had a unique reason behind running for Homecoming, whether it was tradition, the desire to make the most of their senior year, or their love for North Augusta. Butler, who was crowned Homecoming Queen, described the moment of being pronounced queen as very shocking, and says she “did not think [she] would even place, so when [she] heard [she] won, [she] was astonished.” Waters says, “Nobody in the world deserved the honor of Homecoming Queen more than Lily Butler…She is kind to everyone she meets and her being crowned queen really does show that how you treat people will always determine how people view your character.”
These young women encourage current juniors to run for Homecoming court next year, as they describe it as a “process that boosts your self-esteem and confidence,” “makes you feel supported by the community,” and “is a wonderful memory to have."
Photo Credit:
Pictured: 2020 Homecoming Queen, Lily Butler
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