Clarke Central High School students dance at CCHS’s 2024 Homecoming “Candyland” dance on Oct. 26, 2024 in the CCHS Competition Gym. The CCHS Student Government Association announced that the official theme of the 2025 Homecoming dance will be “Harlem Nights” on Sept. 9. “I love the movie “Harlem Nights,” (so) I’m excited to pull (this theme) off,” CCHS Homecoming Coordinator and special education teacher Latoya Jewell said. “I’m definitely waiting to see the pictures and videos (from the dance) and all the beautiful kids coming in. The decorations are going to be to die for.” Photo by Marcus Quarles
The CCHS Homecoming dance will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20 in the James M. Crawford Memorial Arena from 6:30-9:30 p.m. with the theme of “Harlem Nights”.
Clarke Central High School’s Student Government Association has set the stage for CCHS’s 2025 Homecoming dance, themed “Harlem Nights.” The annual event will be a culmination of the weeks of preparation and organization by CCHS student leaders, faculty and staff and is scheduled to take place on Sept. 20 in the James M. Crawford Memorial Arena.
Homecoming Coordinator Latoya Jewell, a CCHS special education department teacher, was responsible for selecting dates, securing food vendors and choosing decorations for the annual event. The behind-the-scenes preparation is a combined effort between SGA and faculty organizers in order to bring ‘Harlem Nights’ to life.
“We always get the (Student Government Association’s) insight when it comes to (school events), so that the student body has a voice of what they want for Homecoming,” Jewell said. “When I heard the (CCHS students suggest “Harlem Nights”), I was like, ‘We can run with that.’ I’m excited to pull it off.”
“Homecoming is one of those things that you should come out to (so) you can have fun with your peers. The theme is cool. People should have fun.”
— Anthony Lonnon Jr,
CCHS Senior class Vice President
According to CCHS Senior class Vice President Anthony Lonnon Jr., SGA plays a significant role in organizing school events such as Homecoming through handling responsibilities that include finalizing the dance’s theme and playlist.
Clarke Central High School students dance at CCHS’s 2024 Homecoming “Candyland” dance in the Competition Gym on Oct. 26, 2024. CCHS Homecoming Coordinator Latoya Jewell is involved with preparation for Homecoming and has fond memories of her high school experiences. “When I was young, (my class) did everything that (my) school had to offer because you don’t get that again,” Jewell said. “You only get one chance at high school. Enjoy it to the 10th power (and) enjoy your friends while you can.” Photo by Marcus Quarles
“(SGA) handles Prom, Homecoming, senior activities, pep rallies and other activities around the school,” Lonnon said. “We asked (students) around the school for different (Homecoming theme) ideas. I don’t remember who specifically had the idea of Harlem Nights, but (the SGA) liked it a lot.”
Jewell first selects a date for the dance before SGA can join the process of preparing for the event, which is in collaboration with CCHS’s Athletic Department.
“Homecoming is always scheduled through (the Athletic Department) and the (Homecoming football) game set for (that) week,” Jewell said. “I get told through (CCHS Athletic Director Dr. Jon Ward) what the date is and that’s when we link up with SGA and finalize (the) theme.”
With preparations for the annual celebration underway, Lonnon wants CCHS students to take advantage of the opportunity to show school spirit.
“(The) Student Government Association’s (goal) is increasing student engagement,” Lonnon said. “Homecoming is one of those things that you should come out to (so) you can have fun with your peers. The theme is cool. People should have fun.”
