Ripon High School held a school-wide rally to start off their 2017 Homecoming this past Friday the 8th of September. Students showed their school spirit as they displayed the upcoming dress-up days for Homecoming week, for which the theme this year is Greek gods.
The freshmen represent Nike, the goddess of victory, the sophomores show support for Apollo, the god of music, the juniors swim with Poseidon, the god of the sea, and the seniors show loyalty for Zeus, the god of lightning.
The rally began with a quick word from ASB President Kayla Jacklich, and from Principal Mr. Rangel.
Then, it was time for the 2017 Homecoming Court to be recognized. The five princes chosen by their peers are Kevin Valdez, Donivan Fontillas, Zachary Angel, Michael Winters, and Riley Machado. The chosen princesses of this year are Kayla Jacklich, Mackenzie Winters, Jessica Stanley, Sierra Silva, and Chloe Winter.
All of the Homecoming candidates are ecstatic to have been chosen for the court their senior year.
“It’s exciting and an honor to have been chosen by my peers to be on court because it shows that students think of me as a good representation of the school,” Prince Zachary Angel said.
The princesses were also overjoyed to have been chosen this year.
“I feel grateful for the opportunity of being a princess because it’s fun and it shows that people know I care about the school,” Princess Kayla Jacklich said.
This year, two of the candidates just so happen to be twin brother and sister, and they are also dance partners for the upcoming rally next Tuesday.
“It feels great,” Michael Winters said about both him and his sister, Mackenzie Winters making court, “But it’s also annoying because we’re partners and I have to dance with her”.
Winters also stated that he felt “blessed” to make court and “honored” to be with friends while doing so.
Many of the candidates like to be as involved as possible during Homecoming dress-up days and also enjoy the extra things that they get to be apart of because of being on court.
“I like that I get to dress up crazier than usual and that I get to be on court next to some of my close friends,” Jessica Stanley said.
Seniors are really enjoying their last year of Homecoming at Ripon High School and they are all happy to see their close friends be chosen to be on Court.
“This year’s Homecoming has been really fun! It’s cool to see everyone actually participating and dressing up,” Senior Janessa Inderbitzin said when asked how she felt about Homecoming this year. “My favorite part about this week is that most of my close friends are on Homecoming Court! I like to see that our school thinks that they all represent us well.”
Also announced at the rally is the Grand Marshall, a staff member who is loved by many and nominated to be honored during Homecoming. Ripon High’s 2017 Grand Marshall is English teacher and Cheer coach, Mrs. Vasché.
Mrs. Vasché has taught at Ripon High for twelve years and has coached cheer for ten years. She is loved by the girls on her cheer team and the whole school.
At the kick-off rally, Vasché was announced as Grand Marshall and then was met in the middle of the floor by some of her senior cheerleaders. Tears were shed as senior cheerleader Samantha Allen read a letter for their beloved coach and teacher.
“I’m grateful to have been chosen by the students this year. I love Ripon, and it makes me happy to be Grand Marshall,” Mrs. Vasché said about being chosen this year.
Homecoming has officially begun for Ripon High School and the king and queen candidates are excited to celebrate their senior Homecoming and to be as involved as possible.
“I’m excited for the parade because I get to dress up all pretty, and I’m excited for the speeches,” Princess Kayla Jacklich said, “Being on court is great because it shows me that my peers know that I love to help the school, and it’s a great way to get to express myself”.
