by Bobby “Flash” Melton
Because of the pandemic, Camden Central High School Homecoming events could not be held in 2020 or 2021. Activities fully resumed last week with great participation from CHS classes and climaxed with the Lions football victory over Houston County. All week long freshmen, sophomore, junior and senior classes held competitions in eight total events, seeking to become “Homecoming Week Champions,” and to receive the coveted “Homecoming Spirit Stick.”
Some competitions the classes took part in were powderpuff football, boys cheerleading, bulletin board decorating, the Homecoming games, float decorating, scavenger hunt, pep rally participation, and dress-up day participation.
When the competitions ended on Friday, and points were tallied up, the junior class was declared “2022 Homecoming Week Champions.” Tying for second place were the seniors and freshmen. Third place recipients were the sophomores. As a result of their victory, the juniors will receive a “Spirit Stick” to keep, and will have their name added to the perpetual Homecoming plaque that will be located in the lobby of CHS.
They also earned Friday outdoor lunches when weather permits. Another highlight of the week was the Homecoming parade held on Thursday afternoon. Led by a Camden fire truck, the 2022 parade took a route that saw it pass by all schools in the Camden School District. It featured floats from all the high school classes, the CHS Marching Lions Band, football players and coaches, seniors who made up the Homecoming royalty and class representatives, members of other athletic squads at CHS, the new “Words on Wheels” van and units from law enforcement.
Although it was a separate event from official Homecoming activities, it fit in very nicely with the week’s festivities as some parents and supporters of the Lions Football program prepared breakfast for players, coaches and guests early Friday morning.
First Baptist Church of Camden graciously allowed the breakfast to be held at their location on Post Oak Avenue and those attending were welcomed by Senior Pastor Jason Moore and Student Minister Cody Griffith.
Before Friday night’s football game with Houston County, a Dean Presson who passed away on September 5. Presson devoted his life to education and during his career served in several school positions in both Benton and Houston Counties. The tribute was read to the football crowd by Public Address Announcer Brad Hopkins and concluded with a moment of silence.
Crowned as the 2022 CHS Homecoming Queen Friday night was senior Audrey Jackson, daughter of Brad and Beth Jackson, escorted by her twin brother, Tucker Jackson. First Maid was senior Ebrianna Laws, daughter of Ebony Laws, escorted by Preston Laws, son of Jason and Kristy Odom. Second Maid was senior McKenna Broadway, daughter of Shannon Broadway and Rebecca Lusk. The 2022 class representatives were freshman Miley Hartney, daughter of Rob and Anna Hartney, escorted by Ethan Redlund, son of Eric Redlund and the late Regina Redlund; sophomore Jaylen Hedge, daughter of Josh Hedge and Heather Hedge, escorted by Chris Hatley, son of Chris Hatley and Abby Hatley; junior Ella Kate Barker, daughter of Jason and Christy Barker, escorted by Will Dobson, son of Larry and Amy Dobson; senior Laiken Medlin, daughter of Chris and Amanda Medlin, escorted by Karson Goodwin, son
of Angie Black and Zach Goodwin, and Dakota Shaffer, son of Tasha Davis.
Camden cheerleaders presented the flowers, banners, and crown to the Homecoming royalty and class representatives.
Cheerleaders are Nicole Beal, daughter of Kenneth and Beverly Beal; Ally Capps Daughter of Jennifer Capps and Neal and Emily Capps; Livia Comuzie, daughter of Bob and Sarah Comuzie; Neveah Harris, daughter of Dustin and Kellie Harris; Raylee Hisey, daughter of Josh and Kayla Hisey; Kalyn Jones, daughter of Scotty Jones and the late Nicole Jones, and granddaughter of Tim and Lynn Cagle; Samantha Wigley, daughter of Anthony and Pamela Wigley; Kira Wilson, daughter of Amanda Evans.
Commenting on the week’s activities, Principal Shawn McDowell said, “I’m so appreciative to our students and faculty members who worked so hard to make this a special and enjoyable week. This has been an opportunity for our students and community to create some fond memories, and no doubt they have. This has been the first full week of Homecoming events and projects at CHS since 2019, and I salute everyone who had a role in making it an outstanding time that will always be remembered. It as a job well done.”
