FRESHMAN ATTENDANTS … Shelby Phillips and Garrett Stambaugh represented the freshman class during the Fayette High School 2026 Homecoming Ceremony.
SOPHOMORE ATTENDANTS … Monroe Simon and Cru Lavinder represented the sophomore class during the Fayette High School 2026 Homecoming Ceremony.
JUNIOR ATTENDANTS … Kaylee Harrington and Kayden Randles represented the junior class during the Fayette High School 2026 Homecoming Ceremony.
SENIOR ATTENDANTS … Sophia McClain and Zach Oehlers (filling in for Dane Andrews) represented the senior class during the Fayette High School 2026 Homecoming Ceremony.
ROYALTY … Homecoming Prince Wynn Smith and Princess Layn Opdycke are pictured with 2025 Homecoming King and Queen Erika Fetterman and Caden Leininger during the Fayette High School 2026 Homecoming Ceremony.
PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
KING & QUEEN … Keagan Patterson and Kayla Sliwinski were crowned Homecoming King and Queen during the Fayette High School 2026 Homecoming Ceremony.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Fayette High School held its 2026 Homecoming Ceremony as students, families, and community members gathered to celebrate the homecoming court and crown this year’s royalty.
The evening opened with a welcome to those in attendance and an introduction to the ceremony.
Freshman attendant Shelby Phillips was introduced first. Shelby is the daughter of Jason and Tarra Phillips.
She is involved in cross country, volleyball, basketball, archery, and track, and is active in student council, 4-H, and FFA. She also serves as the freshman class treasurer.
Shelby hopes to become a baby sonographer or ultrasound technician in the future. Her go-to meal is Taco Bell nacho fries and a crunchy taco with a Baja Blast. She enjoys all things pink, springtime, and her plant and animal agricultural class.
One of her favorite Fayette memories is sneaking push pops from Circle K with friends during cross country.
Shelby was escorted by Garrett Stambaugh, the son of Bryan and Heidi Stambaugh. Garrett plays basketball, runs cross country, and competes in track. He is active in FFA and the student council and serves as the freshman class president.
His favorite subject is physical education, and he plans to pursue a career as a PE teacher. Outside of school, Garrett enjoys watching South Park and spending time outdoors during the summer.
His favorite food is Taco Bell chalupas with no tomatoes or lettuce.
Sophomore attendant Monroe Simon was introduced next. Monroe is the daughter of Kara and Don Bird and Aaron and Carie Simon. She participates in cross country, volleyball, basketball, school softball, and travel softball.
She is also involved in FFA and 4-H and serves as the sophomore class secretary. Monroe hopes to become a family physician.
Her favorite subject is lunch, especially when steak and mashed potatoes are served. She enjoys the color blue and watching Home Alone.
Monroe was escorted by Cru Lavinder, the son of Chad and Dara Lavinder. Cru plays basketball, golf, and baseball, and is a member of the student council, FFA, and 4-H. He plans to attend college and figure out his next steps from there.
His favorite food is salmon, and he likes the color red. Cru enjoys watching Outer Banks and That’s My Boy. His favorite Fayette memory has been playing basketball with his brother.
Junior attendant Kaylee Harrington was then introduced. Kaylee is the daughter of Amber Harrington and the late Jeremiah Harrington.
She participates in volleyball and archery and is a member of the National Honor Society, student council, and the Franklin Blue Ribbons 4-H club. Kaylee currently serves as FFA reporter and junior class secretary.
She hopes to enter the medical field as an OBGYN ultrasound technician. She loves everything pink and buffalo chicken dip.
One of her favorite Fayette memories was attending the National FFA Convention and meeting people from all over.
Kaylee was escorted by Kayden Randles, the son of Danyel Eding and Larry Dauwalter. Kayden plans to pursue a career in construction or landscaping.
His favorite food is steak, and he enjoys watching the television show Suits. His favorite color is black, and his favorite season is summer.
Senior attendant Sophia McClain was then introduced. Sophia is the daughter of Matt and Arynn McClain. She is involved in cheerleading, softball, SkillsUSA, and the National Honor Society.
Sophia plans to pursue specialized welding in the future. Her favorite color is light sage green, and her favorite food is green bean casserole.
She enjoys watching The Blind Side and loves summer. One memorable Fayette moment for her occurred during a softball game, a moment many in attendance recognized.
Sophia was escorted by Dane Andrews, with Zach Oehlers stepping in for the evening. Dane is the son of Cindy Abate and Donald Hildreth.
He plays basketball in the winter and baseball in the spring and is a member of the world language club and student council. After graduation, Dane plans to attend college to become a physical therapist.
His favorites include wings, the color blue, summer, and math. His favorite high school memory was participating in Relay for Life during his freshman year.
The ceremony also recognized the 2026 Homecoming Princess and Prince. Layn Opdycke was named Homecoming Princess. Layn is the daughter of Austin and Hilary Opdycke.
She dreams of becoming a babysitter one day and loves pizza, the colors pink and purple, summertime, and dinosaurs.
One of her favorite school memories was a moment in class when Mrs. Beck used a funny voice to make everyone laugh.
Wynn Smith was named Homecoming Prince. Wynn is the son of Joel and Leah Smith. His favorite foods are watermelon and hamburgers.
He hopes to become a famous YouTuber someday and enjoys playing Roblox, drawing, building Legos, and riding go-karts with his brothers.
The ceremony also included recognition of the 2025 Homecoming King and Queen, Erika Fetterman and Caden Leininger.
Erika is currently attending Northwest State, majoring in agricultural business, and works at the Fulton County Fairgrounds and Weeping Willow Florist.
Caden entered the workforce after graduation and currently works for Fayette’s Department of Public Works.
The evening concluded with the announcement of the 2026 Homecoming Queen and King.
Kayla Sliwinski was crowned Homecoming Queen. Kayla is the daughter of Keil and Kori Sliwinski. She participates in cross country, volleyball, track, and softball, and is a member of the National Honor Society, student council, and art club.
After graduation, she plans to attend Owens Community College to begin her radiology program. Her favorite season is fall, and she enjoys Gravity Falls.
Her favorite color changes often, but is currently burgundy. Kayla said her best Fayette memory was preparing and sharing a Thanksgiving meal with the entire senior class.
Keagan Patterson was crowned Homecoming King. Keagan is the son of Kylie Patterson and Gary Beaverson and Rusty and Ashley Patterson.
He participates in golf and is a member of the student council and FFA. Keagan enjoys Taco Bell, the color blue, and the fall season.
His favorite movie is Step Brothers, and his favorite Fayette memory has been the annual Relay for Life celebration.
The ceremony concluded with an invitation for the community to continue the celebration during Homecoming Social Hour and the dance to follow.