The annual homecoming dance at Fair Grove High School was themed “Haunted HOCO.” It took place after the football game against Reeds Spring on Friday, October 11.
Dr. Christian Overstreet, the principal of Fair Grove High School, emphasized the importance of the homecoming dance as an opportunity for students to enjoy themselves in a safe environment.
He noted that the dance is a memorable occasion that engages the entire school community. While there are no specific community service initiatives tied to this year’s dance, the Student Council typically uses a portion of the event’s profits to sponsor a local family through the Angel Tree program during the Christmas season.
This year’s homecoming court included freshman princess Isabel Bruner, sophomore princess Avery Austin, junior princess Kenna Fishback, and senior queen nominees Riley Frazier, Ashton Bell, and Brooklyn Mauldin.
To select the homecoming court, each grade voted to nominate candidates. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors each nominated three candidates for princess and then voted for their chosen princess from that group. Meanwhile, seniors nominated six candidates for homecoming queen, later narrowing it down to three through a second vote. The entire student body then voted to determine the queen, who was announced during the crowning ceremony.
Frazier, who won homecoming queen, expressed her gratitude for the nomination, stating, “Being a part of the homecoming court is something I never saw myself doing, so being a part of it is very honoring. I think being on the court is making my senior year more fun.”
Similarly, Austin mentioned her excitement about walking out with her brother during the ceremony. Bruner shared her enthusiasm for the dance, describing it as an opportunity to make new friends and create lasting memories.
Leading up to the dance, Student Council members were responsible for planning various activities, including spirit days and a pep assembly, which took place during advisory on the day of the dance. The dance was held in the courtyard, featuring a DJ and decorated with Halloween-themed decorations and lights.
Overstreet added, “Our StuCo students and Mr. Van Cleave, the StuCo sponsor, put in a lot of time and effort to make all of our dances a fun experience for all of our students. I appreciate all of their hard work and think they deserve the credit they receive.”
Hannah Schwab (11), the publicity chair for StuCo, mentioned one member in particular, “Karlee Marion Swan (12) has been incredibly helpful in putting this dance together! She really helped us get a lot done in preparation for the dance and pulled more than her weight!”
The football game preceding the dance is an essential part of the homecoming festivities. All students, families, alumni, and community members were welcomed to the game, and all high school students were invited to attend the dance. StuCo and the Pep Club encouraged attendees to wear their costumes to both the game and the dance.
