The clock ticks down quickly as Friday approaches Wildcat Arena. The lights narrow in on our court as two events start the new year off strong. As both Winter Homecoming and our basketball team’s big battle inches toward us, student council is working behind the scenes to make sure this special day turns out perfect. Student council teacher, Kamryn Carpenter, is confident in her students that the 26th will be a hit.
“STUCO members are working hard to keep everything running. This is a time for them to step up and do what they consider their strengths,” Carpenter said. “Some of them work on the decor, some take the lead on the planning, and some are just hard working bees. It is neat to see them all come together in their own ways.”
With just a few days left, the student council members are working on final preparations for the big day. Each person has taken on specific roles depending on their strengths or interests, so by the time of court, the finished product can come together smoothly and efficiently.
“For the assembly, all the people in the class period meet around 8:30 on Friday morning and we will get the whole gym set up together,” senior Kennedy Dykes said. “For the assembly we will roll out all the tarps and place all the balloons we are blowing up into an arch. We will get everything set up and do a run through beforehand.”
According to the members of STUCO, lots of time is spent mainly on preparing for the court assembly because this is where most family members come and watch. The balloon arch, tarps, chairs, color guard, and decorations are very key details that really create a unique experience for the students picked for court, the Royalty.
“It is a special moment for everybody who’s on court.” Dykes said.
With all that is going on and the intense schedule and pressure of success, STUCO members have really stepped into the leadership role. Carpenter is very proud of her students and the amount of teamwork they have used to create a special day for the maids and escorts in this year’s court ceremony. With weeks of planning and incredible guidance from the homecoming officers, Dykes and Carter Moss, the show is guaranteed to be a success.
“The homecoming officers have really stepped up to the plate this year. They are mainly responsible for creating the scripts and speaking at the coronation and assembly.” Carpenter said.
Even though the class is mostly student-led, the teachers, or sponsors, still have some work to do to help the students progress and keep moving.
“During Homecoming seasons, the sponsors do have to be a little more hands-on. Cockrell and I do a lot of background work like the court voting and setting up appointments.”
As you can tell, the sponsors don’t run the whole show, rather, they give it over to the students. Carpenter is assured for this year’s winter homecoming because of her trust in these hard working students. Student Council President, Mason Flynt, also has a big role in putting together many parts of the show.
“Our president, Mason, is our secret weapon that is always on top of everything.” Carpenter said.
Flynt’s job is to make sure everything is running smoothly in both class and at any event planned by STUCO. He has big responsibilities but also gives lots of the control over to the homecoming officers during this time and worries more about the tedious small things.
“The day of, me and Kennedy will conduct all of the preparation stuff so like all the decorating is organized and everyone knows what they are doing.” Flynt said.
To make the court look special for the Har-Ber Royalty it has been all hands on deck, even outside of school hours the students have worked hard to make it perfect. Due to the harsh weather that blew through the last few weeks, it has been hard to manage planning and has put more stress on the deadline.
“Me and Carter, we have to write all of the court bios, so as members, we got them done outside of school due to weather.” Dykes said.
With unexpected out-days the team prepared for the worst and took matters into their own hands and moved the work to the house.
“If we weren’t in school this week, I would be worried but luckily we’re back so we’ll be good to get everything ready to go.” Dykes said.
Luckily, this week has cleared up and they are back on track with their progress. With the 20 boys and girls anticipating this day, student council wants to make all their dreams come true, so that means hyping up the big day to the whole school.
“We try to cater the themes well, so one thing that people actually participate in and two things that are fun, we try to not repeat a whole lot of themes.” Dykes said.
One way student council helps get the school involved with homecoming is themes for the week. From Monday to Friday, themes are prepared for students to dress up and help promote the school spirit and winter homecoming court and game.
“We picked the safari day because we are playing Bentionville on Friday so we had to throw a Tiger Hunt in there.” Dykes said.
This year our basketball team is going up against the Bentonville Tigers, so the theme “Tiger Hunt”, is a way to hype up the competitive aspect of homecoming. Not only does it promote spirit but also sends out the memo to come and support the team during their big game.
“It’s one of the biggest games of the season because it’s winter homecoming and this year, we played Bentonville for Fall homecoming and they beat us really badly, but it’d be the chance this time because we are a lot better at basketball.” Flynt said.
Watching the students walk on court, along with the men and women’s basketball game, this gains people’s attention and tends to fill up the stands with fans. This homecoming preparation has had its obstacles but with the teachers and students incredible leadership, all the details and dedication will be worth it in the end.
“Homecoming is like a holiday at Har-Ber so it’s a lot of fun to have a whole week of celebrations.” Flynt said.