Homecoming week for Marietta Public Schools began September 30 and activities will continue through October 5.
This year’s theme is “Marietta’s Got Game.” Plans for the week included activities for the community as well as visiting alumni.
All groups are being encouraged to prepare their float entries and the school is hoping that the addition of more groups will bring back the tradition feel of the celebration.
Game themed dress-up days were planned for students, beginning with “Candyland” on Monday. Students were invited to dress for a sweet slumber party by wearing their PJ’s to school. On Tuesday, students were dressed to celebrate “Operation” day by faking an injury. Wednesday’s game was “Life,” so students were to dress for success. “Sorry” was the game for Thursday, and students were asked to dress in their favorite “Sorry” colors. The traditional black and gold colors will be the official dress code for Friday’s Spirit Day.
The school celebrated its first annual Black and Gold Community Pep Rally on Tuesday, October 1 at 6:30 p.m. in McClain Stadium.
The pep rally featured all of the high school’s fall athletes and included a car smash, bonfire, games and concessions. The object of the rally: ramp up Marietta Indian pride.
Activities for alumni began on Thursday, October 3 at 5 p.m. with float decorating at the Love County Fair Barn.
Alumni are scheduled to meet Friday morning at 9 a.m. with brunch provided in the Marietta gym as an opportunity for alumni to visit with friends and catch up on old memories.
At 10 a.m., alumni will be treated to campus tours conducted by the high school student council.
School will be dismissed at 2 p.m on Friday in order for school staff to get bus routes run and be back in time for the parade, which is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. All float riders are asked to meet and line up on North Front Street no later than 2:15 p.m.
Following the parade, all Indian fans are encouraged to attend the pep rally on the courthouse lawn.
That evening, a tailgate party for alumni will be held at 6 p.m. at McClain Stadium before the game, with special seating provided for alumni and spouses during the game.
Homecoming candidates and attendants will put on their best for the coronation ceremony held at McClain Stadium at 6:30 p.m. with the kickoff to follow at 7 p.m.
Senior queen candidates are Vegas Bell, the daughter of Renae and Chris Bell; River Pierce, the daughter of Jodi Michael and Kevin Pierce; and Mandy Sykora, the daughter of Brent and Tina Sykora.
Senior king candidates are Cody Hicks, the son of Allen and Jennifer Hicks; Coleby Ing, the son of Amber King and Kenneth Ing; and Kile Ing, the son of Amber King and Kenneth Ing.
The junior attendant is Abby Alvarez, escorted by Garrett Morgan. Abby is the daughter of Norma Aldama and Ben Barrios. Garrett is the son of Kelli and James Morgan.
The sophomore attendant Macie Broseh will be escorted by Noah McMillin. Macie is the daughter of Bobby and Brenda Dean and the late Danny Broseh. Noah is the son of Brandon and Dana McMillin.
The freshman attendant, Paisley McKinney, will be escorted by Jonathan Lohmeyer. Paisley is the daughter of Staci and Clay McKinney. Jonathan is the son of Crystal Dunnagin and Jason Payne.
The 2019 senior class mascots are first graders Hattie Bell and Chasten Jones. Hattie is the daughter of Renae and Chris Bell. Chasten is the son of Becky and Sharone Jones.
Other activities for alumni will be a 5th quarter held after the game at The Taste and a breakfast on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at City Lake.
The Homecoming festivities culminate on Saturday at 6 p.m. with a banquet and auction in the Marietta gym with proceeds benefiting the Marietta Alumni Association scholarship fund.