By: Kent Hutchison
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
WEST UNITY- Homecoming, the time of year that alumni return to their alma mater to celebrate with classmates and other friends. In West Unity Homecoming also includes many other events for past and current students to partake in. Homecoming in the land of the Cadets is definitely an occasion for the entire community to come together. This was quite evident given the activities that took place on Friday, September 23.
The evening’s festivities began at 5:30 pm as the parade participants gathered in downtown West Unity. From there the convoy, led by the West Unity Police, continued down Main Street finally arriving at Daft Field. The parade included students of all ages who represented their grade, or club, as well as several adults and alumni. All posed for photos, as well as assembling for the arrival of the Homecoming Court.
The court, presided over by Queen, Sydni Rivera and King, Quinn Smith, arrived on a float adorned to correspond with the Hawaiian theme. Other members of the court included: Senior attendant and escort Colleen Bell and Tim Maneval, Junior attendant and escort, Molly Roesch and Baron Bleikamp, Sophmore attendant and escort, Zoi Bauer and Nash Kuney, and Freshman attendant and escort, Kendall Roth and Jay Garrett. Also riding the float were Crown Bearer, Ezra Mahlman, Flower Girl, Miriam Richer, as well as Nayah Rodriguez and Caelan Nofziger who were assigned to give out Hawaiian leis to the court.
The court marched down the fifty yard line as their names were announced. After pausing for photos and to receive their leis, the group once again assembled on the float for more photos.
With the crowning completed the football game began. That did not mean an end to the nights’ festivities. At halftime, as usual, the Hilltop Marching Band performed.
However, for one song several graduates and former band members joined in for an alumni jam session. There was also one very special alumni appearance as Hilltop graduate and current school secretary, Cathie Batt took center stage with baton in hand. The former majorette drew high praise from the crowd. As the baton took spins in the air is was clear to all that Cathie still had it! Following the alumni performance was a resounding round of applause for the high school band and all the alumni that were brave enough to showcase their still sharp skills.
Although the Cadets were unable to down the Bombers on the football field, it was still a night of celebration. A celebration that continued on to Saturday with the dance that was held from 8-11pm.
Kent Hutchison can be reached at
publisher@thevillagereporter.com