After a long and chaotic week, another Homecoming is officially in the books! Students at HHS got a chance to show their Tiger Pride with this year’s theme: “Welcome to the Jungle.” 

The week kicked off on Sunday with Girls’ Powderpuff Football and Boys’ Volleyball. To start off the Powderpuff games, the Freshmen went up against the Juniors. Shortly after, the Seniors took on the Sophomores. The Freshmen and the Seniors came out victorious in their respective matches. Finally, the Senior girls took the dub after beating the Freshmen in a grueling championship. Even in the pouring rain, HHS students and parents did not hesitate to show some Tiger Pride! Later that evening, Boy’s Volleyball was set in motion with a duel between the Juniors and the Freshmen. Then, the Seniors and the Sophomores went head to head. The Seniors and the Juniors both came out on top. Next, the losers battled it out for third place with the Sophomores beating the Freshmen. Alas, it was time for the long-awaited match between the Seniors and the Juniors. After an intense second match, the Juniors came out with the title. 

On Monday, students at Herrin High got the opportunity to express their inner biker or surfer. On Tuesday, students represented their favorite sports teams on Jersey Day. Wednesday gave students the chance to dress as their favorite icons on Celebrity Day. To solidify this year’s theme, students dressed in safari and animal prints for Safari Day on Thursday. 

Thursday night brought the students and families of Herrin together for Coronation to see who would be crowned this year’s Homecoming Queen and Maid of Honor. The night was full of excellent music, beautiful gowns, and stylish suits. The Senior candidates for Homecoming Queen were Taylor Cornelius, Jadyn Day, Presli Karnes, and Karley Keel. After waiting in anticipation, the drum roll ended and Presli Karnes was crowned Homecoming Queen and Taylor Cornelius was awarded the title of Maid of Honor. 

On Friday, there was a sea of orange, black, and camo in the HHS halls. After lunch, students filled the gym for the first in-person pep rally since 2019. The band played Herrin High’s signature loyalty while students and faculty stood and cheered. Following their act, the school’s cheer, flag, and dance teams gave various entertaining performances. Then, it was time for the student body to vote for Mr. Homecoming. Chase Sanders gave his own rendition of “Your Man” by Josh Turner. A tough act to follow, Ruben Pullum and Merrett Simpkins went head to head in a handstand race. After that act, Collier Hahn performed a dance from the TikTok trend, “Berries and Cream.” Next up was Jesus Mendez, dressed in a bleach blonde wig and a dazzling two-piece dress, with a dance solo to Single Ladies by Beyonce. Following that, Brock Dresel performed a hit 2000s song. Then, Cameron Evrard smashed a whipped cream pie in Mr. Baskin and Mr. Roberts’ faces. The final contestants were Chase Bigham and Cameron McEvers with a performance to a remix of “It’s Raining Men” with suit vests and bowties. In the end, Chase Sanders took home the title of Mr. Homecoming with a unanimous vote. To wrap up the assembly, the band closed with another playing of HHS loyalty. 

That afternoon, Herrin residents joined together for the annual Homecoming parade. Various sports teams marched together with the class floats and the Homecoming Court attendees through the streets of Herrin. 

It was finally time for the long-awaited football game against Murphysboro. As the sun began to set, the stands filled with hundreds of spectators. At halftime, the Court attendees paraded around the track while the band played “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Tarzan. Despite the boys’ effort, the Tigers lost to the Red Devils with a final score of 35-14. 

The week concluded on Saturday night with the widely anticipated dance at the Harrison-Bruce Sports Complex. The student body was dressed to the nines as they danced the night away.

With all of the week’s festivities, Herrin High wraps up another successful Homecoming Week!

Gallery • 20 Photos

Kim Barradas - Mr. WorldWide