Green Knights Gear Up for an Unforgettable Homecoming Week

By Janice Godshalk

Homecoming is a tradition that happens every year for most American schools. Many say it is a memorable tradition, and the homecoming season was busy at Pen Argyl High School.

Homecoming week includes: a pep rally, the big game and finally a celebratory dance round out the week.

Principal, Nolan Gerencser, said he can simply describe the festivities as fun and spirited.

Gerencser said he looks forward to the event every year and that he sees homecoming as the first big event of the year.

The pep rally is the first real opportunity of a new school year to bring the entire student body together to show school spirit.

Students and faculty alike look forward to the fun and games, but perhaps the most exciting part of the day is revealing the Homecoming King.

Photo Courtesy of Elliot Lorrah-Pfeifer

The 2024 Homecoming Court featured seniors Isabelle Sora, Grace Shenk, Cybil Bashova, Kaylie Hettel, and Delaney Brinker. The five earned the votes of their classmates to secure their nominations. Bashova, center, was crowned this year’s Queen during the halftime game against Salisbury on September 28. All of the members of the court were recognized in a traditional ceremony held on the field.

Gerencser said,. “The traditions surrounding the homecoming festivities are a unique aspect of Pen Argyl’s history, and we are fortunate to keep it alive!”

Grace Shenk, senior and member of this year’s Homecoming Court, talked about how a lot of preparation goes into Homecoming. Even things like the ticket design took time, but it was worth it.

Shenk also said, “I did plan the pep rally; I am actually one of the people in charge. You can expect games, speeches, band and cheerleading performances, the announcement of our 2024 homecoming king, and most importantly, a lot of Green Knight spirit!”

Once the student body was energized by the pep rally, it was time to cheer for the football team at the big game. The Homecoming game is always a special one as many former students and community members come out to celebrate their Alma Mater. This year’s game was played on Saturday, September 28 against the Salisbury Falcons.

Brady Mutton, head football coach and English teacher, said that his five years of coaching have taught him to treat every game the same. The goal is always to bring home a Green Knight victory. Mutton said he encourages his players to take on the same attitude. Mutton’s strategy worked as the Green Knights sealed a definitive win against the Falcons with the big board reading 21-3 at the end of the game.

With a victory to celebrate, the Pen Argyl student body came out in droves to attend the Homecoming Dance that same evening in the gymnasium of Pen Argyl High School.

The homecoming king court consisted of Nathan Curtolo, John Keller, Brayden Krasnopera, Jacob Oyer, and Micahel Thomas. Thomas expressed happiness for the fact that he was selected for the court. As for the race for Queen, Thomas believed it would be a close race, and he could see the queen going in the same direction as the prom princess.

“I guess the only thing I could say to anyone that wants to be on the court next year is make lots of friends, both girls and boys; that’s the only reason I’m on. I try to be a semi-likable person, which unintentionally got me voted onto the court,” said Thomas.

The homecoming queen court consisted of Cybil Bashova, Delaney Brinker, Kaylie Hettel, Grace Shenk, and Isabelle Sora.

Brinker expressed joy as well for being elected and wished her opponents luck on the race. She believes everyone deserves it and that they are all good people.

Ultimately, Keller won the crown for the boys at this year’s pep rally while Bashova was crowned by Bethany Kuster, last year’s Queen, during halftime of the football game.

The football players captured a victory, leaving no room for disappointment during such an exciting week at PAHS.

Despite a rainy weekend, the Green Knights celebrated their Pen Argyl pride and made countless memories with their classmates.

Next year, Keller and Bashova will be invited back to help crown their successors.

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