We all know about the football game, the band halftime shows and the recent graduates returning. It’s Homecoming.
Schools may differ on how much the band or football team is cheered for. Is there is going to be a Homecoming dance the next day? Is there a massive cookout outside of the football stadium? If the home team wins is there a tradition to have a big party downtown?
Homecoming for every school is sure to have one thing — a girl will be crowned Homecoming queen. She becomes royalty that day.
Before the queen is selected, though, we give all the court their moment in the sun. Each girl looks her finest with her escort as they walk down the 50-yard line. Their name is called and the crowd cheers. Then they wait.
“I was really excited being on the field with my daddy,” said Molly Magee, Homecoming queen of 2007. “We had a lot of fun just standing around and talking to the other girls and their escorts and taking so many pictures. I really wasn’t expecting them to call my name. I was just honored to be on the court representing the sophomore class.“
After standing on the sun-baked field for 20 minutes, they called her name. She became what only one person on that field would — Homecoming queen.
“After they called my name, I was first really surprised then I was just really honored and excited to represent Ouachita as the Homecoming queen,” Magee said. “Also, Dr. [Rex] Horne presented the bouquet and I think he’s just so fun, so that was just thrilling.” And then, of course, Dr. [Wesley] Kluck was there as always with his camera.”
Many girls grow up dreaming of actually receiving a tiara. Did the tiara get worn much throughout the year?
“That’s a funny question,” Magee said. “I think it got worn a lot, but not by me. Some of my friends wore it when I had it at school and when my mom took it home I think I saw some pictures of my little sister and her friends wearing it.”
This year’s Homecoming is here, which means just like the year before there will be a new queen crowned. Magee will pass on her title.
“Being Homecoming queen hasn’t set me apart from the rest of the student body,” said Magee. “I feel like I’ve learned so much just being a student at Ouachita. I think everyday I am more aware of what an immense blessing it is to be a student at this university.”
Our school has a tradition that falls on Homecoming weekend. It’s called Tiger Tunes. Many of the Homecoming Queen nominees will be in the shows that take place on that weekend. Magee had a little advice for this year’s Homecoming queen.
“You need to be ultra speedy to get ready for Tiger Tunes,” Magee said. “I never thought I would be able to switch from my dress to Tri Chi Farmer on Saturday night’s show on time.”
So to the future Homecoming queen, whoever you are, good luck. Enjoy your tiara. Not many girls get them. Have fun in your front row seat at the game. Of course enjoy the title. After all, your student body gave it to you.
