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 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.
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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] |
