BY TRACY LEE TATE
Special to the Times
Union County High School’s 55th annual Tiger Growl and homecoming activities are history, and the 57-0 win against Hollis Christian Academy Eagles is in the books. Still, it never hurts to look back at what was an outstanding celebration of school spirit.
Tiger Growl 2023 was held on Thursday night, Oct. 5, beginning at 7 p.m. The night was clear and not too hot, perfect for the event. The home-side grandstands were nearly full, with most of the crowd decked out in Tiger splendor. Tucker Williams and Braden Adams began the night’s announcements by welcoming the crowd. Tucker informed the crowd that the theme of the events was ‘Tiger Tunes,’ with each class selecting a genre of music to orchestrate their skit.
After all were asked to stand, the Union County High School JROTC presented the colors. The cadets performing the presentation were Cadet First Sergeant Matthew Ring, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Brooke Burgess, Cadet First Lieutenant Makayla Nelson, and Cadet First Lieutenant Syann Malone. Zoe Elixson then sang the National Anthem, followed by the invocation, led by Fellowship of Christian Athletes member Mason Fassett.
First on the field, as the event began, the UCHS Varsity football players walked with their escorts as their names were announced. They were followed by members of both the Varsity and JV cheerleaders and their escorts. To get the crowd ready for a show, the varsity Coach Kristen Adams and the junior varsity Coach Mary Garret with Asst. Coach Teyona Paige took to the field, with the varsity team performing first.
Mason Fassett and Grace Newsome then took over announcing duties, just in time to introduce the members and coaches of the varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams. This was followed by the senior class skit, with the music genre Hip Hop as the theme. The UCHS and LBMS golf teams and their coaches then took to the field to be introduced. The UCHS swim team then made an appearance, along with Coach/Union County Sheriff Brad Whitehead. Next up was the freshman class skit, with the musical genre being Rock and Roll. The Allstars Twirling Academy then made their way to the field. Several groups performed and finished with a dazzling display of twirling fire batons. Newsome then left the announcer’s booth to participate in the junior skit and was replaced by Student Body President Jewell Dekle. The junior class skit was then presented with the Country music genre.
Rylie Parrish, Senior Class President, joined Dekle in the announcing booth just in time to introduce the LBMS Cheerleading Squad, revving up the crowd’s Tiger spirit. The sophomores then ran onto the field, carrying all their props, to present the evening’s final skit. The winners of the skit competition (announced Friday night at the game) were the Juniors, who also won the float competition at the parade Friday afternoon.
Just before the entertainment portion of the program was through, a special and quite unusual event was held – a kiss the goat demonstration. Raffle tickets had been sold, letting students name whom they would like to have the honor of kissing a goat. Students were asked to name the staff member of the community that they would like to see kiss the goat at Tiger Growl. The “winner?” Coach Jiwan James. James was a good sport about winning and came to a seat prepared for him on the field. The goat was brought to him, honey applied to his lips, and then he made several attempts at kissing it. It kissed him on the cheek as well.
A short break was then called before the coronation of the Homecoming King and Queen. The crowd was urged to visit the concession stand, with the proceeds from the night’s sales going to the Spirit of Union Tiger Band Program.
After the break, Dekle and Parrish continued as announcers, thanking all the people, school district, and school personnel. Also included were Mark Hughes and all the parents. The Homecoming Royalty and Court were introduced.
Freshman Class Prince and Princess were Aaron Tyler Griffis and Brooklyn Gay.
Sophomore Class Prince and Princess were Erick Lasseter and Makaylin Randolph.
Junior Class Prince and Princess were Nolan Beighley and Lexie M’sadoques.
Senior Sponsors were Karlie Jenkins, Tucker Baynard, Jahlivya Woodall, and Titius Woodall.
Also introduced were the members of the Homecoming Court: Kandance Adams and Johnte’ Nichols; Christine Quiett and Preston Bonsall; Taliyah Harper and Dayquan Diston and Bobbie Jo Montford and Ke’Andre Stephens. Last to be introduced were the 2022 Homecoming King and Queen, Cameron Williams and Jayda Hendrieth.
Finally, the moment all had been waiting for arrived – naming the 2023 Homecoming King and Queen. Each was given their sash and crowned by the winner of each title in 2022 (see above). The UCHS 2023 Homecoming King was Ke’Andre Stephens, and the UCHS 2023 Homecoming Queen was Kadence Adams.
The announcers then asked the crowd to join the students in singing the school Alma Mater, after which they reminded all about the bonfire outside the stadium, the parade, and the football game.
