GC kicked off this year’s Homecoming festivities on Feb 12, by the Centennial Center with the annual Homecoming Parade. Campus organizations decorated a car or float, then drove around town spreading Bobcat spirit.
“It’s just the best of all days on the Georgia College campus,” said Cathy Cox, the GC president.
Cox supported every organization with a smile, loud cheers and lots of photos.
Gini Peña, a junior exercise science major who attended the parade with the Council of Student Ambassadors float, says the parade was a blast and that she looks forward to doing it again.
“I think the highs were definitely being there with my team and all of us just having a good time, excited to represent our organization,” Peña said. “I think it was all fun.”
There was also a competitive aspect to the parade: who had the best-decorated float. The winners were announced at the basketball game that took place the following day. The winner of the parade float competition was GC sorority Zeta Tau Alpha.
“The highs were definitely the floats,” said Wesley Whitehead, a sophomore math major. “They were so creative. I look forward to Homecoming week because it’s a great excuse for me to socialize and learn about more organizations.”
The following day, GC hosted Tent City, a unification of current and past GC students to promote their organizations and enjoy the Homecoming celebration before the big basketball games.
“We’ve got all kinds of alums here from all different decades, old friends and a lot of people from out of state that have come back for the weekend,” Cox said. “So, it’s really good to meet those people and hear their stories. It helps me to know more about why they love this campus. For a president, it’s really a great day. It’s a great place to stay connected.”
Students seem to love it just as much.
“I think students look forward to it because it’s such a great energy that is brought to our institution, and everyone is so excited and proud to support their organization and cheer on all of the student organizations as well,” Peña said. “Definitely Tent City and the game. It’s so high-energy, and you really get to see the Bobcat pride all around in the students that are rooting for our team to win.”
Student organizations at Tent City take the opportunity to recruit, give out food and provide a fun environment.
“I love the tabling leading up to Homecoming and hearing everyone advertise themselves,” Whitehead said. “I also love spending time and having fun with my friends. It’s genuinely a good vibe and a great opportunity to meet new people and have fun.”
After Tent City, students gather at Centennial Center, not just for the big game but also to find out the Homecoming king and queen winners.
This year, the winners were Queen Emma Whitener from Delta Zeta and King Aidan Shuster from Alpha Tau Omega. Students in the stands cheered as the king and queen walked across the court to be crowned.
“It’s really cool, and I’m very honored,” Shuster said. “It feels awesome to get to represent a school that I love so much.”
The queen was just as excited when winning her crown.
“It’s awesome, I’m so excited and I love Georgia College!” Whitener said. “I think Delta Zeta has done so much for this school. They definitely deserve to be recognized.”
With another successful Homecoming weekend at GC, students are already looking forward to the rest of the festivities to come, including the homecoming concert featuring Quavo on Mar. 5, tickets are being sold at the Office of Student Life.
