It’s a good year to be in the WCHS Homecoming Court. The dresses and tuxedos have been donated this year, meaning members will not have to foot the bill for the expense.
“I can’t thank these businesses enough for their generosity,” said student council sponsor Pam Youngblood. “This is a giving community where people have always been willing to help each other, but I never expected this. It’s so wonderful they would do this for the students.”
In past years, young ladies in the Homecoming Court were required to purchase their own gowns and young men were required to pay the rental charge for their tuxedos.
Donating the dresses will be Country Bumpkin Boutique of Cookeville, owned by local resident Shelia Carr.
“I was excited about doing this for the girls,” said Carr. “I have always had a passion for wanting to help girls look pretty and feel good about themselves. McMinnville is my hometown, and I graduated from Warren County High School. I wanted to give back to the community.”
The donation, because the girls will get to keep their dresses, is in excess of $1,000. Dress prices for the Homecoming Court range from $129 to $179 each.
Carr says she is also giving back to the school.
“School officials have always been willing to let me offer a fashion show every year just before the prom,” she said. “I felt this would be a way to give back and show my gratitude for their kindness.”
Donating the tuxedo rentals is Tiger Lily Florist, owned by Kevin Burnett. Burnett’s daughter, Kathryn, 20, says she wanted to help make the day memorable for the students.
“I was in the Homecoming Court my freshman year and my senior year,” said Kathryn. “I know this is a wonderful experience these students will remember for the rest of their lives. We wanted to be a part of that.”
Renting a tuxedo costs anywhere from $59 to $200. The tuxedos for the Homecoming Court are $60, meaning the business is donating $600 for the event.
“I just hope the members of the court enjoy their day and remember it as fondly as I do,” said Kathryn.
Members of this year’s Homecoming Court are seniors Graylin Brock, Logan Underhill, Kindra Brabson, Christian Taylor, Kara Page, Salem Wanamaker, Lauren Wilson and Nico Reyes.
Juniors on the court are Lilly Marttala, Dylan Powers, Haley Johnson and Bailey Barnes.
Sophomores attendants are Ty Ramirez, Kade Burnett, Emma Holmes and Ryan Nokes.
Representing freshmen will be Ginny Hodges, Logan Dyer, Tori Woodlee and Isaac Golden.
They will be included in Thursday night’s Homecoming Parade. The parade begins at 6 p.m. and will run the length of Main Street, turning onto Sparta Street. The queen and king will be announced during halftime of Friday night’s game at Nunley Stadium.
Country Bumpkin Boutique can be reached at 931-372-8590. The number for Tiger Lily Florist is 474-5459.