Piedmont Celebrates Homecoming
By LINDSEY MOORE
Piedmont Academy celebrated Homecoming 2017 last Friday as the Cougars challenged the Eagles of Brentwood Academy.
The theme for the week, “Let Us Prey,” courtesy of senior Taylor Patterson, sparked pride and spirit among the student body as excitement built in anticipation of Friday night’s game.
Piedmont kicked off Homecoming Week 2017 by recognizing members of this year’s homecoming court. Representatives and Miss Cougar received sashes at a special ceremony designed to ignite enthusiasm for the week’s activities.
Representatives include freshman Ava Anglin, sophomore Gracie Black, juniors Mattie Johnston, Madison Morton, senior Alexis Dodson Miss Cougar Caitlyn Young, Homecoming Queen Grayson Bradley, senior Emma Kate Edmonds, junior Madison McCart, sophomore Madison Johnson, and freshman Sydney Stroud.
Spirit days included “Tacky Tourist,” “Decade Day, “Pajama Day,” “Twinsies,” and “Extreme Blackout.” High school students also showcased their talents in a homecoming banner competition for which freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior classes created banners centered around the week’s theme. Banners were judged by Piedmont’s football coaches, Wes Tanner, and Carole Tyler. The sophomore class came out on top in this competition followed by the senior class.
Of course, homecoming week would not be complete without a mock homecoming court. Several football players traded in their helmets and cleats for wigs and skirts as they vied for the title of Mock Homecoming Queen 2017. This highly coveted and prestigious honor was conferred to senior, Brett Bush. He was crowned by Piedmont’s mascot, Big Blue.
In concert with the activities, Piedmont Academy Student Council also managed a community service project to benefit Jasper County Animal Shelter and Butts Mutts. The response among faculty, staff, and students was amazing as donations of food, treats, toys, flea & tick medications, and cleaning supplies overflowed.
Additionally, the Piedmont Academy Y-Club sponsored a spirit chain competition to raise money for hurricane relief efforts. The competition ran among grade levels, and each link sold for a quarter. At the close of the competition, the senior class, with a little help from their kindergarten buddies, claimed the victory with a total of 320 links. Altogether, the Y-Club raised $200 for relief efforts.
Homecoming festivities began with a bonfire Thursday evening. The bonfire was sponsored by Piedmont’s FFA and the varsity football cheerleaders. Fun and fellowship were shared by all as students socialized and roasted hot dogs and marshmallows and made s’mores. Friday night’s activities commenced with the parade of representatives.
Each homecoming court representative made an entrance arriving on the field atop a classic convertible. These young ladies were met by their escorts at the 50 yard line and ushered to their seats amidst rounds of applause.
Halftime festivities included the crowning of Piedmont Academy’s 2017 Homecoming Queen, Grayson Bradley, and Piedmont Academy’s 2017 Miss Cougar, Caitlyn Young.
On hand to present the crowns were last year’s Homecoming Queen, Bailyn Whitaker, and Miss Cougar, Ashley Johnston. Ashley and Bailyn were both escorted by Headmaster Tony Tanner, and assisted by the 2017 Senior Mascots, Miss Bella Brimberry and Mr. Matthew Cumbie.