LCHS Homecoming Pep Rally hypes students and royalty announced

[October 07, 2017] 

LINCOLN

On Friday afternoon, the gymnasium at Lincoln Community High School filled with students, anxious to let loose and celebrate homecoming with a roaring pep rally.

The rally began at approximately 12:20 p.m. and concluded just a little past 1:30 p.m. The hour-long event was emceed by students Grace Bossingham and Eric Nguyen. Members of the LCHS marching band assembled in one end of the gym and awaited the arrival of the drumline who came marching and drumming in from the other end, setting the tempo for the rest of the hour.

The day began with none other than the number one Railer Fan Tim McDougal, making his customary laps around the gym with the Lincoln Railer flag. Bossingham and Nguyen initiated a cheer competition between the four classes, and declared the senior class the winner after each class was to scream “L” “C” “H” “S” with the freshmen being the L and working through to the seniors being the S.

In the course of the hour, each of the fall sports teams, and other school groups were brought to the center of the gymnasium. Coaches and team captains spoke and introduced the team members, or allowed the kids to introduce themselves beginning with the girls golf team, the boys golf, the Future Farmers of America, boys soccer, the LCHS fall play cast, girls tennis, cross country, the girls swim team, girls volleyball and finally the LCHS Railers Football Team.

During introductions for the boys soccer team, Coach Tim Stuckey, noted that the team is having an outstanding year, playing extremely well, and also suffering a number of injuries. He lightly poked fun at the various “bikes” the boys with injured legs are using to get from class to class this week, and noted a new injury that occurred at the Thursday night game. He invited everyone to come out this coming Tuesday for a game against Taylorville. He noted that it would be the “Kick cancer” night with fundraising taking place and proceeds being donated to a young child who has cancer.

During the introduction of the girls’ tennis team, Coach Jan Dickerson was unable to attend. One member of the team served as spokesman, and noted that the team is excited to have Coach Dickerson leading them this year. She said that Dickerson was a great coach and an outstanding person. It was also team member Alice Roate’s birthday on Friday, and the team asked the entire school to sing Happy Birthday, and all four classes were happy to oblige.

Coach “Silky” came forward to talk about his football team. He noted that this year the team is forward in a very positive fashion. He said that this was the first season since 2005 that the team opened their season with a win and achieved a 1-0 standing after its first game. The team, as of Friday afternoon had two wins for the season. Coach Silky said it was the first time since 2012 that the team has had multiple wins in a season.  And, he acknowledged a record broken at the last game. Senior Titus Cannon ran for a school record 283 yards at the Friday night game against Charleston on September 29th.  In that game, the team scored 40 points for the win, Silky said the Railers had not scored 40 points in a game since 2011. 

After the introduction of the football team, the poms team was introduced, then the girls did a couple of performances for the crowd. Up next was the Railer Cheerleaders, who also did a few cheers for the school, working up the excitement.

The entire gym went into a hoot and holler, when three members of the football team joined the girls and assisted them with a couple of cheering routines. The guys wowed the students with flips and cartwheels, and got a lot of attention when they became the center three of a “Rockettes” style dance line, kicking up their heels with the gals, like pros.

The last bit of business before the end of the pep rally was the introduction of the class attendants and the crowning of the 2017 LCHS Homecoming King and Queen.

The Freshman Attendant was Sesleigh Peacock. She is the daughter of Caleb and Stacy Peacock. She is involved in football cheer and basketball poms. Sesleigh’s escort was Austin Beard, son of Chris and Jaime Beard. Austin participates in LCHS Soccer.

The Sophomore Attendant was Taylor Gandolfi, the daughter of Sam and Billy Gandolfi. Taylor is active in volleyball and cheer. Her escort was Kameron Whiteman. He is the son of Kirk and Angela Whiteman. Kameron is active in golf, basketball, and student government.

Paityn Hughes was introduced as the junior attendant. She is the daughter of Brandy Shirley and Daryl Huges. Paityn participates in golf and student government. Her escort was Dustyn Gaston. Dustyn is the son of Tim and Sarah Gaston. He is active in weightlifting and on the fishing team.

The Senior Attendant was Natalie Phillips. She is the daughter of Jody and Steve Phillips. Her school activities include student government, Railerthon, and national honor society. Natalie’s escort was Eddie Combs. He is the son of Stacy Banister and Eddie Combs, and is a member of the bass fishing team.

The final couple to be introduced was the homecoming king and queen. This year, Laine Brickey would wear the crown as homecoming queen. Laine is the daughter of Jennifer and Doug Brickey. She is active in cheerleading and is a member of the FFA.

The young man who would wear the crown as king was Dylan Chaudoin. Dylan is the son of Brita Chaudoin. He is active in LCHS baseball.

When the crowning of the royalty was completed, the school was dismissed so that everyone could prepare for the parade that was to begin at 2:30 p.m.

[Nila Smith]