Homecoming: it is a beloved tradition in any high school, and Carmel is no exception. Though the dates may have changed for homecoming week this year, the traditions and excitement surrounding the events did not! The Saturday festivities, the basketball game, the presentation of the court and the dance, were only the grand finale of a full week of costumes, floats, pep- rallies and more that created the celebration!

The Game:

Before the dance, Carmel faced off against Cary Academy during the 2023 Homecoming Game. The game started slow as Carmel took an early lead in the first quarter. The lead grew as the game progressed, until Carmel began to take over the game. Junior, Bryce Slay, shot well late in the second quarter even including a half-court buzzer-beater to end the first half. Carmel continued to extend their lead with exceptional performance from Senior, Kam Taylor, who was the top scorer with 22 points, with seven rebounds. Slay also finished with 21 points and five rebounds. With Braylen Bowman out, Chandler Kennedy was needed in this big win for CCS. Kennedy finished the game with 10 assists. Finally, sophomore, Cody Peck, was instrumental defensively for the Cougars. He ended the game with three blocks as well as seven rebounds. The younger of the Peck brothers, Cody, has been a menace for other teams all year long as an interior defender. Carmel won the game 62-39 with a very impressive showing. This is Carmel’s third win in a row, building the momentum for the remainder of the season. (Written by Cody Smith) 

The Court:

In the middle of the wonderful win by the Varsity Basketball team, this year’s Homecoming Court were presented. Every year, the CCS student body is given the opportunity to vote for young women to represent their class on the homecoming court. This year’s representatives displayed the ideal characteristics which their classmates admire most. Congratulations to the following ladies who were voted onto the court: Seniors Aubrey Franklin, Zoe Humphrey, Ellie Miles, Charlotte Russell and Lucy Woodard. Juniors, Alaina Winner; Sophomore, Charlotte Scott; Freshman, Kate Yap.

Once the court is finalized, the student body heads to the polls again to cast their final vote for the queen among the senior candidates. Former 2022-2023 Queen, Molly Dorminey returned to campus to crown the 2023-2024 Queen: Aubrey Franklin. Congratulations to Franklin and the outstanding impact she has had on the High School these past four years.

The Dance:

The night entails far more than just the dance itself. Pre-dance preparation ranges far and wide from bouquet making to hair appointments, picking up the corsage, making the dinner reservations and, of course, the pictures! Before attending the dance, many grouped to enjoy dinner at various places around Charlotte. The top choices for restaurants for this year were Firebirds, Link & Pin,  Sushi 101 and various Country Clubs. Picture locations ranged from Phillips Place, to Providence Country Club, to the Christmas tree located in the Church building. Each photo taken captured the Christmas atmosphere to add to the excitement.

Students were greeted with a winter wonderland as soon as they entered through the doors. String lights, Christmas trees filled with presents, personalized ornaments, a plethora of wonderland treats and Snowflakes dangling from the ceilings filled the Christmas atmosphere.

Décor such as the mural painting photo station was completed by Mrs. Gooch and her art crew. Members of SGA partnered with the National Honor Society members to paint snowflakes and ornaments which were seen around the dance floor. Each student was gifted an ornament that Senior, Aubrey Franklin personalized with everyone’s name and was hung at the entrance of the dance.

A plethora of wintery treats was provided, as well as, a hot chocolate station for students to enjoy in between time on the dance floor. Former Middle School teacher, Christina Gross, prepared the delicious treats and served by replenishing the refreshments. A sample of students reported that their highlight of the evening was on the dance floor with their friends. Whether you were screaming your favorite throwback songs with your friends or crowding around the senior boy dance circle, the environment of the dance floor was electric yet memorable.