Hillgrove’s ’24 Homecoming Court By: Sarenity Monroe

Jovani articles, describe homecoming as “A traditional celebration in many high schools and colleges across the United States…[it] consists of a group of students whose peers nominate them based on their school spirit, involvement in school activities, and overall representation of the school’s values.” Some of Hillgrove’s very own students have been nominated for this year’s homecoming court. These nominees are feeling a lot of positive feelings this year, “Good! I’m feeling excited,” says 10th grader, Gavin Moultrie. Homecoming is usually viewed and portrayed as a cliché popularity contest but Jaren Anthony, a 11th grade Hillgrove student, disagrees, “It’s definitely about who you know and who knows you but when you look at who made it, you see people from all around Hillgrove…it’s more or the less the people that nominate [you], that will rally behind you.”

   Being a part of homecoming court consists of many things other than just winning. The group of students participate in a homecoming parade, homecoming spirit week, and of course being recognized in the fall pep rally. Although you would expect our nominees to be anxious, they seem to have quite moderate anxiety towards the event, “I just want these pimples to go down before the parade!” Enthusiastically stated by a student at junior Hillgrove, Jaren Anthony. Being a part of homecoming court has multiple requirements. Being involved in school enhances your campaign and chance of winning. One of Hillgrove’s most well-known students, also know as “Mr. All Around the World”, Jaren Anthony, feels that being a “kitchen table name” is one of his biggest advantages. “I see a lot of people doing advertisements saying, “Vote 4 Me” but since I’m a “kitchen table name”, my name just spreads so quickly that even if I don’t post anything, people would vote for me because they know who I am, and they know what I represent.”

    Everyone has their own reasonings for why they want to win, from, “I’m putting it all out there for my football team.” Expresses football player and hoco nominee, Jackie Young, to “For the greater good of Hillgrove.” Declared by sophomore nominee, Gavin Moultrie, or maybe a more sentimental thought, “…the opportunity…not everyone gets to be a part of the hoco court…it’s the opportunity that comes with it.” Stated from, well known student nominee, Jaren Anthony. This year’s group of students come from different homes, different backgrounds, and have different personalities and want their student class to know that they are “very outgoing…always there for people.” , “I am always going to show up...I’ll show up for them, to every game, everything because I care, I’ll care for every single one of y’all til the day I graduate.” Emotionally expressed by 11th grade, Jaren Anthony. “They should know that I have one last shot.” Senior nominee, Jackie Young, states. This year’s court is excited, they are slightly anxious, they hope to win for a multitude of reasons, they have spirit, and can’t wait to walk onto the home field, dressed to the nines and proudly representing each class of Hillgrove High School. Have the mindset of the lovely Jaren Anthony, “Nobody does it like us…Hillgrove is just unique in how we do it…we are one big, bold, complicated family that always supports everyone.” Good look homecoming nominees of 2024!