by Shelby Keesee

At long last, after weeks of deferral, Jeff High’s long awaited Homecoming is set to take place this weekend.

Yet what is Homecoming – and why are we thrilled?

Homecoming is the celebration of school traditions and the highlighting of certain students whose goals are to become Homecoming King and Queen. Others may attend to commemorate JHS, dress fancily, or simply to socialize with peers while showing Red Devil spirit.

Poor weather conditions several weeks ago are to blame for the event’s delay. Storms producing heavy rains and weather warnings were present in the area prior to the original date.

After discussions with Student Council sponsor Natalie Woods, principal Pam Hall and the administrative team decided to postpone Homecoming to the first boys’ and girls’ basketball home game to give the courts their deserving recognition.

“We did not want to have our Homecoming court out there in their dresses or in their nice suits getting drenched, so we made the decision to look for an alternative date,” stated Hall. 

Although Homecoming has been delayed, voter decisions have remained intact and up-to-date.

“The student population has already voted, so the first round of votes are for all those people who signed up that want to be on court or candidates, and then they are chosen by vote by their class,” stated Woods. “The second round of votes are just for the King and Queen, so the whole school gets to vote for the King and Queen of their choice.”

Results from the voting window have stayed exceptionally quiet, but the royalty and court members will be announced this Saturday night.

“We have 20 Homecoming court members. We have four duos of seniors – so we have four boys and four girls for seniors, and then we have two boys and two girls for each junior, sophomore and freshman classes,” said Woods. “Our seniors come make up the King and Queen candidates, and then our juniors, sophomores and freshmen make up what’s known as the Homecoming court.”

While attending Homecoming, JROTC Saber Team presentations are expected, along with a more formal ceremony where students are presented to JHS community members, staff and other students.

Both the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams will play this Saturday; the theme is “White Out.”