Homecoming 2017 started out with the candidates for King and Queen being really bugged. It quickly became apparent that the whole thing could be a washout, but, in the end, the ceremony was quite “Grace”-ful!

This year, Homecoming took on a form somewhat different than the status quo of previous years. 2017 saw separate candidates for the titles of King and Queen, with all candidates choosing their own escorts, rather than having the winning Queen candidate’s escort automatically being considered the King.

During the school day on Friday, September 30, a pep rally was held to build spirit for that evening’s football game against the Williams Valley Vikings at Beaver Springs. In addition to the always-exciting performances by the cheerleaders and the band, the day’s festivities also included some Homecoming-themed activities. All of the Queen and King candidates sat with their hands tied behind their backs. They then had to find ten gummy worms in a pie plate full of whipped cream. The first person to remove all ten worms from the plate won. The winner was Breana Terry, and she was awarded a box of Reese’s Pieces. Next, one couple from each grade was chosen to play the second game. Each duo had to put on a fancy dress and a suit and tie, get their “Homecoming picture” taken together, and rush to take the clothes off and get back to the starting line. The winners were the seventh grade couple by a long shot.

That night, as the East Juniata marching band prepared to play at halftime for their Homecoming performance, it began to rain. After the band’s show, the Homecoming King and Queen candidates and their escorts took the wet field as it continued to pour. The Homecoming court consisted of: Tristan Amey, escorted by Mikayla Reed; Taylor Graybill, escorted by Leah Colyer; Jacob Kinzer, escorted by Megan Elsasser; John Moyer, escorted by Haley Lash; Johnathan Nace, escorted by Mya Roberts; Trent Watts, escorted by Brooke Erney; Eleana Benner, escorted by Tate Benner; Gracie Brubaker, escorted by Cade Brubaker; Emilie Gerig, escorted by Sam Karper; Sarah Goss, escorted by Clinton Goss; Lilly Maneval, escorted by Zachary Fogle; and Breana Terry, escorted by Alex Lower.

When asked how he felt about being nominated for King, Tristan Amey replied, “I was surprised, and I am honored that my teachers voted for me.”

Queen candidate Emilie Gerig commented, “I enjoy being able to represent my class and my school.”

The 2016 King and Queen, Gabe Coder and Elizabeth Weidner, returned to crown their successors. Jacob Kinzer was selected as the 2017 Homecoming King, and Gracie Brubaker was named Queen. They were both presented with their crowns, and then gathered with all the other members of the court for a group picture.

The Homecoming activities culminated with a dance held in the school cafeteria the following Saturday night.