Switzerland County High School will celebrate its Fall Homecoming tomorrow (Friday) night, when Oldenburg Academy visits for a conference showdown with the 2-2 Pacers.
The football game kicks off at 7 p.m., and the highlight of the evening will be the crowning of this year’s Fall Homecoming Queen and King at halftime. This year there are seven Queen and King candidates, as chosen from the senior class.
Here’s a look at this year’s Queen candidates:
— LEAH ANDERS. Leah is the daughter of Amy and Clint Anders. After graduation, Leah plans to pursue a Masters degree in Athletic Training at a college that will allow her to participate in both cross country and track and field. Leah is proud to hold the Switzerland County High School record for women’s cross country, and qualified for the State Meet this past season. Leah also serves her classmates as a class officer, where she has been elected both Treasurer and Secretary.
— ZOE COLE. Zoe is the daughter of Adam and Amanda Cole. Zoe has been accepted to the University of Louisville, where she plans to study pediatric medicine. Zoe is proud of her contributions to the Switzerland County High School swim team, where she has participated in several record setting swims. Zoe is currently a record holder on three different relay teams. Zoe has been equally successful as a Lady Pacer on the cross country team, where she has participated on the semistate qualifying team.
— KINSLEY GRIFFITH. Kinsley is the daughter of Amy Griffith and the late Travis Griffith. After graduation, Kinsley plans to attend college where she will pursue a degree in physical therapy. Kinsley is an active participant in various clubs throughout her high school career including National Honors Society, FCA and a member of the Sophomore Leadership Program. Kinsley is also a proud student athlete at Switzerland County High School where she is a four year member of the girls varsity soccer team and three year member of the girls basketball team.
— RYLEE HANKINS. Rylee is the daughter of Casie Hannan and Billy Hankins. After high school, Rylee plans to enroll in a Registered Nursing program to begin her journey to becoming an oncology nurse. Rylee is a 10 year member of the Switzerland County 4-H program, where she has mentored younger members as a counselor at 4-H camp, as well as a volunteer with the mini 4-H program. Rylee is a contributing student athlete to several varsity sports teams at Switzerland County High School. She is a four year member of the varsity girls basketball team, where she has led the team with the most rebounds and most improved. She also enjoys volunteering with the team at the elementary school basketball camps.
— ARIEL OEFFINGER. Ariel is the daughter of Sarah Oeffinger. Ariel would like to pursue a degree in criminal justice and political science prior to attending law school. Ariel aspires to one day become an attorney. Ariel is currently serving on the State Officer Leadership Team for the Indiana Business Professionals of America, where she is the Region 12 President. Ariel has also been the class vice president for the Class of 2019 since seventh grade, and this year she is serving as senior class president.
— CALLEIGH POWELL. Calleigh is the daughter of Larry ‘Tater’ and Dawn Powell. Calleigh has her long-term sights set on attending Western Kentucky University, where she plans to study broadcasting and photojournalism. Calleigh is a proud member of the Switzerland County High School Business Professionals of America. Through BPA, Calleigh has attended the National Leadership Conference where she has placed in the top 10 two years in a row. Calleigh is also excited to have the opportunity to compete in the state fair pageant in January, where she will be representing her county as the reigning Miss Switzerland County.
— SYDNEY THOMAS. Sydney is the daughter of Nikki White, Jason Thomas and Rob Bledsoe. Next August, Sydney plans to attend IUPUI to study pediatric nursing. Sydney has found great success in the Switzerland County High School Business Professionals of America. Sydney currently serves as the Vice-President of the local chapter, has regularly qualified for the State competition, and was a National Qualifier last year. Sydney has also been active as a Lady Pacer student athlete where she has participated in Varsity Golf for four years and was a member of the ORVC All-Conference, 400-meter relay team.
This year’s King candidates include:
— A.J. COVINGTON. A.J. is the son of Brian and Carol Covington. A.J. is currently undecided in his post-graduation plans. He is currently exploring options of attending Jefferson Community and Technical College while co-oping at Dow Chemical; or pursuing a career serving and protecting his community as a law enforcement officer or firefighter. A.J. has distinguished himself during his high school years as a member of the National Honor Society, the Switzerland County FFA, and the Olive Branch Youth Group. A.J. enjoys spending time with family and friends, camping, being outdoors, and going to the local YMCA.
— GARRETT DEMAREE. Garrett is the son of Ed and Christine Demaree. After graduation, Garrett plans to continue his education as he pursues a master’s degree in civil engineering. Garrett is an active leader at Switzerland County High School as he currently serves as the President of the Business Professionals of America and the Student Council. Garrett is also proud of his ability to qualify for National competitions including the BPA National Conference for four years and World Archery Tournament for three years.
— MORGAN GAMMONS. Morgan is the son of Anthony Gammons and Beth Breeck, as well as Jamie Gammons and Joe Breeck. After graduation, Morgan plans to attend college to get a business degree in hopes of one day opening his own restaurant. Morgan is passionate about the culinary arts, and considers himself a Mexican Cuisine Chef. Outside of the kitchen, Morgan enjoys spending time with his two loving dogs, as well as his very loving girlfriend, Aries.
— BRENT GOMEZ. Brent is the son of Ramiro and Olivia Gomez. After High School, Brent wants to work with his dad as an engineer. Brent loves his family very much. He is an excellent video gamer and his hand-eye coordination has improved greatly. Brent is also learning how to cook and prepare different foods. He does daily chores, takes care of his pets and is getting more independent every day.
— JOEY HALL. Joey is the son of Cassie and Chris Denning. His post-graduation plans include pursuing a business degree with an emphasis in restaurant management. Joey is a long-time member of the Switzerland County FFA, which has afforded him many volunteer opportunities. Joey is proud of community service projects such as the assisting with the Veterans Day program; volunteering for the Swiss Wine Festival; and helping with the Homecoming display.
— ZACHARY HOWLETT. Zach is the son of Ben and Angel Howlett. After graduation, Zach plans to co-op with Dow Chemical while attending the Jefferson Community and Technical College. Zach has spent time during high school contributing to his community as a student volunteer. He has participated in helping to set up the Swiss Wine Festival, as well as decorating the Courthouse at Christmas time. Zach has also spent time competing for his school. He is most proud of his success at track and field, where he was able to qualify for regionals in both the shot put and the discus.
— NATHAN SCRANTON. Nathan is the son of Harold and Lisa Scranton. He is currently evaluating colleges and universities as he will be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in drafting engineering. Nathan was recently chosen to represent his classmates in the Swiss Wine Festival Ambassador competition where he was named 2018 Male Swiss Ambassador. Nathan was also chosen by the Vevay American Legion Post 185 as a delegate to 2018 Hoosier Boys State at Trine University, where he participated in creating a functioning state government using Indiana’s political process.