On Thursday, Oct. 31, Holmes Community College hosted its annual Homecoming celebration on the Goodman Campus. Jakya Ellis of Kosciusko, daughter of Moneke Ellis was crowned 2024 Homecoming Queen prior to kickoff. Holmes President Dr. Jim Haffey crowned the queen, Alumni Association President Jacob Black presented her robe and Goodman Campus Vice President Andy Wood presented her flowers. Ellis was escorted by Amir Abdul-Rauf of Gulfport.The rest of the Goodman Campus court included: Student Body Maid Janey Beth McRae of Winona and her escort Braxton Demopulos of Denham Springs, La.; Sophomore Maid Savannah Fulgham of Kosciusko and her escort John Paul Buckner of Starkville; Sophomore Maid La’Diamond Phillips of Black Hawk and her escort Kemarieon Akins of Foxworth; Freshman Maid Paris “Abby” Crockett of Yazoo City and her escort Tre’ Rainey of Tupelo and Freshman Maid Chasity Washington of Winona and her escort Xavier Myles of Pearl.
Ridgeland Campus court members included: Student Body Maid Addison Chelsey Sawyer of Madison and her escort Aaron Sawyer of Madison; Sophomore Maid Kamilah Millsap of Canton and her escort Wesley Smith of Ridgeland; Sophomore Maid Miracle McGee of Flowood and her escort Cameron Sanders of Canton; Freshman Maid Paris Garrett of Canton and her escort Dustin Mai of Brandon and Freshman Maid Sydney Ferguson Neely of Brandon and her escort Kristoffer Palomo of Brandon.
Finally, Grenada Campus court members included: Student Body Maid Meri Brynn Reeves of Greenwood and her escort Noah Beck of Carrollton; Sophomore Maid Mary-Faith Vance of Grenada and her escort John Evins of Duck Hill; Sophomore Maid Kaylyn Barrett of Kosciusko and her escort Mathis Beck of Carrollton; Freshman Maid Gracie Summers of Coffeeville and her escort Ethan Prestridge of Grenada and Freshman Maid Abby Redwine of Grenada and her escort Alex Flautt of Grenada.
This year’s football game against East Mississippi Community College kicked off at 3 p.m. and the final score was 51-1, with East Mississippi taking the win. The Bulldogs will still be headed to the MACCC semis next weekend for the first time in 22 years.
Prior to kick-off, the Homecoming Court was recognized, the Chorale sang the national anthem and the 2024 Homecoming Honorees were recognized on the field. Honorees included: Alumna of the Year, Carolyn Thomas; Distinguished Service Award recipient, Dr. Mack Woo; Young Alumna of the Year, Dr. Autumn Barron and Veteran of the Year, Davis A. Richard, III.
Homecoming festivities kicked off with a Visual Arts Display in the McMorrough Library at 8:30 a.m. and a baseball and softball highlight at 9 a.m. Academic Programs and Career-Technical Education hosted a Career and Transfer Fair in the Grove and at the same time, Workforce Development hosted “Major’s Truck Expo” with all of the big industry vehicles on display.
The honorees were recognized in McDaniel Auditorium at 10 a.m. followed by the debut performance from the Holmes Connection! and Coachmen. Other mid-day activities includedfood trucks, fun and games in the Grove accompanied with live music by the Holmes Jazz Band. Holmes Massage Therapy students gave free massages, as well. At noon, the Holmes Chorale performed a variety of their music in the Chapel on the Hill.
Faculty, staff, students, alumni and guests also enjoyed tailgating, a pep rally and live music prior to kick-off. Leading up to Homecoming Day, all the campuses had an opportunity to show their school spirit with designated dress-up days. Monday was Pink Out for Breast Cancer Awareness Day, Tuesday was Aloha/Tourist Day, Wednesday was Halloween Costume Day and Thursday was Homecoming T-Shirt Day.
For more information about Homecoming, contact Katherine Ellard a kellard@holmescc.edu.
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IN THIS PHOTO: Pictured are (left to right) Holmes Alumni Association President Jacob Black, the Queen’s escort Amir Abdul-Rauf, 2024 Homecoming Queen Jakya Ellis, Goodman Campus Vice President Andy Wood and Holmes President Dr. Jim Haffey.
