Switzerland County High School held its homecoming festivities on Saturday night, and the highlight of the night was the crowning of seniors Ashlie Gillespie and Blake Whitham as this year’s Queen and King.
The crowning took place between the junior varsity and varsity games, and the royals and their court reigned over the first half of the varsity contest in special seating at the north end of the gymnasium.
Ashlie Gillespie is the daughter of Daniel and Dottie Hall. During high school she has participated in FFA, SADD, Pep Club, French Club, Drama Club, and varsity soccer. Ashlie Gillespie has volunteered her time with the Christmas courthouse decorations, SCES Haunted House, the Mother’s Day Project, the Homeless Project, landscape class decoration projects, and the Ag Day Breakfast. She was voted “Class Clown” by her senior classmates. After graduation she plans to attend Vincennes University to major in law.
Blake Whitham is the son of Steve and Sherri Whitham. During high school he has been a member of FFA, FCA, SADD, and the Pep Club. Blake Whitham has also worked on both the Homeless Project and the Mother’s Day Project. He also helped to decorate both the courthouse at Christmas and the Swiss Wine Festival in August. He is a part of the Soils Team and the Sophomore Leadership Group; and was selected by the senior class as having the “Best Smile”. After graduation he plans on attending Ivy Tech to pursue a business degree.
The first runner up for Homecoming Queen was Halie Thomas. She is the daughter of Harold and Tina Thomas. During high school she has participated in FFA, FCA, Student Council, and French Club. Halie Thomas is the president of both Pep Club and SADD. She has been a part of cheerleading for the past four years, and became the co-captain of the squad her senior year. She was also a member of both the conference champion track and cross country teams.
After graduation Halie Thomas plans to attend Ivy Tech to pursue a degree in the field of nursing; or to attend Empire Beauty School to obtain a degree in cosmetology.
Adam Clark was selected by schoolmates as the first runner up for Homecoming King. He is the son of Steve and Paula Clark. During high school he has been a part of the basketball team and FFA. Adam Clark has also worked at Camp Livingston; been a lifeguard at the YMCA; been a referee for young children’s basketball games; and coached flag football. On the basketball team, he earned the “Most Improved” player as a freshman, the highest free throw percentage award as a sophomore, and the defensive award as a junior. He has also earned the distinction of being the ORVC “Player of the Week”. After graduation he plans to attend an in-state university to pursue a degree in education or criminal justice.
Jessie Ray was honored as the second runner up for Homecoming Queen. She is the daughter of Troy Ray and Shane and Billie Jackson. During high school she has participated in volleyball, FFA, SADD, Art Club, Pep Club, and National Honor Society. Jessie Ray has also been the class president for the past four years; the president of student council; and a co-captain of the cheerleading squad. She has also volunteered to help with the Special Olympics, the Homeless Project, the Canned Food Drive, and the Mother’s Day Project. Jessie Ray was also the senior class representative for the Swiss Ambassador Scholarship Pageant; and was voted “Best Smile” by the senior class. After graduation she plans on attending Thomas More College to pursue a career in nursing.
The second runner up for Homecoming King was Dylan Griffith. He is the son of Morgan and Caren Griffith. During high school he has been a member of the soccer team; the president of Junior Historical Society; and the treasurer of Business Professionals of America. Dylan Griffith has also participated in the Ohio River Sweep and is a member of Caledonia Presbyterian Church. He has also earned the rank of Eagle Scout; and was voted “Most Musical” by the senior class. After graduation Dylan Griffith plans on attending Purdue University to pursue a career in theoretical physics.
Other Homecoming Queen candidates included: Ciera Browning, Shea Dickerson, and Audrey Furnish. Other Homecoming King candidates were: Jesse Bailey, Tim McAlister, and Connor Osowski.
This year’s royals were crowned by the 2010 Homecoming Queen and King, Maggie Armstrong and Devan Carfield.