State Fair students, alumni to celebrate homecoming

Students past and present will gather at State Fair Community College this week to celebrate homecoming.

The week will include spirit activities as well as events related to the college’s 40th anniversary.

One of the highlights will occur Saturday, when homecoming royalty from years past will gather for a recognition ceremony.

“We wanted to make sure that homecoming this year expressed our ‘strong roots, stronger future,’ and to mark this milestone, we are bringing back former homecoming royalty” to help celebrate, said Jackie Almquist, executive director of the State Fair Community College Foundation and a member of the 40th anniversary committee.

Between 20 and 25 former homecoming kings and queens are expected to attend.

“We have some that are flying in for the event,” Almquist said, as well as local alumni who will attend. “We’re just thrilled that they care about the college and want to take part in this event.”

Alumni who attend the reception during the games will receive gifts that include a special pom pom donated by the Student Government Association to help show off their school spirit.

The spirit squad will also incorporate the 40th anniversary into a cheer during the games, Almquist said.

The special events are “just one more opportunity to say thank you to the community,” Almquist said.

The 2008 homecoming king and queen will be crowned between the women’s and men’s games.

Queen candidates include Shannon Sullivan, of Warrensburg; Katie Rogers, of Cole Camp; Hannah Curnutte, of Boonville; Stacy Bellamy, of Marshall; and Dawn Gibson, of Sedalia.

King candidates include Nathan Lawrence, of Clinton; David Ogorodnik, of Sedalia; Donnie Eveler, of Jefferson City; Doug Rogers, of Syracuse; and Chris Bell, of Center, Texas

These events are scheduled for homecoming week:
Students may vote for homecoming royalty, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday in the Parkhurst Commons.
Monday: Student organization window painting, 3-5 p.m., Parkhurst Commons
Tuesday: Student organization frozen T-shirt contest, 3 p.m., Parkhurst Commons
Wednesday: Student organization banner painting, 3-5 p.m., Parkhurst Commons
Thursday: Campus-wide bonfire and pizza party, 9 p.m., south lawn behind the Davis Center
Friday: “Blue-out Day:” all students, faculty and staff are invited to wear blue
Saturday: Lady Roadrunners play Fort Scott Community College at 5:30 p.m. Past homecoming kings and queens will be honored during halftime.
The 2008 homecoming royalty will be crowned between the women’s and men’s games.
There will be an alumni reception in the Kempton room of the Davis Center at 6:30 p.m.
The Roadrunners play Southeastern Illinois College at 7:30 p.m. The Spirit Squad will perform a 40th anniversary cheer during halftime.
Missouri-based classic rock band Harvest Blue will perform a free concert in the Davis Center at 9 p.m.