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THS marks homecoming week

By Shawn Linenberger - | Sep 26, 2007

Billy Joel might have proclaimed that he and others didn’t start the fire in his 1989 hit.

Homecoming organizers at Tonganoxie High School, however, plan to do so today near Beatty Field.

For the first time in years, a bonfire is scheduled as part of homecoming activities.

THS secretary Julie Bernard said it was thought that 1992 was the last year a bonfire was held as part of homecoming activities.

Organizer and student council sponsor Jessica Johnston said first-year THS principal Jamie Carlisle was surprised the school did not have a bonfire as part of its homecoming.

“I thought it would be a nice addition to our festivities,” Johnston said.

The communitywide bonfire will be from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. today in the valley across the THS access road southwest of Beatty Field.

“We would really like the community to take part in this and show their support for the students,” Johnston said.

The THS Booster Club and First State Bank will provide free hot dogs and bottled water.

Homecoming activities actually opened Monday with the start of Spirit Week.

Monday was Fashion Faux Pas Day at the school, while Tuesday was Pirate vs. Ninja Day. Today is Blast From the Past Day, Thursday is Senior Citizens Day and Friday is Red/White Day.

Prizes will be awarded daily.

On Friday, the traditional homecoming parade will start at the access road at 1:30 p.m. and move south along Main to Fourth Street. The main portion of the parade will run west along Fourth Street. It will stop at Fourth and Bury streets, where the THS cheerleader and dance teams will perform. Homecoming king and queen candidates will be introduced, and seniors from each of the fall sports will speak about how their seasons are progressing.

The parade will then continue west and then turn north on the west side of Tonganoxie Elementary School before eventually winding back to the high school.

Queen candidates this season are: Liz Baska, Shannon Carlin, Lindsey Himpel, Christy Weller, Cara Carlisle, Hannah Herrstrom and Tracie Hileman.

King candidates are Wes Armstrong, Gabe Belobrajdic, Logan Forbis, Matt Ditty, AJ Demaranville, Drew Scates and Josh Drake.

The coronation ceremony will begin about 6:30 p.m. Friday at Beatty Field. THS will then seek its first win of the season when the Chieftains take on Santa Fe Trail at 7 p.m.

Homecoming festivities conclude with a dance at 8 p.m. Saturday in the THS east gymnasium. The theme is “Under the Sea” and it will be a shoeless dance, since street shoes are not be allowed on the THS gymnasium floor.