Sparkman chooses first Homecoming king
Senior Zach Humphrey was crowned Sparkman High’s first homecoming king during halftime of the Sparkman vs. Hazel Green football game. Because Humphrey also plays defensive end for the Senators, he was not able to be on the field during the halftime festivities, but he still enjoyed his title. His mother, Patty, was on the field to accept the award in his honor.
“It was an honor to be chosen by the student body as the first homecoming king. I hated that I could not be on the field during the festivities, but was glad that my mother was able to represent me,” Humphrey said.
“I think the king was a great idea. It allowed us boys to be involved beyond dress up week,” Humphrey said.
Student government president Amoi Savage presented the idea of having a homecoming king to Principal Manuel Wallace at the end of last school year. As a new leader, Savage wanted to propose something for homecoming that would get more students involved.
“I thought having the homecoming king would be something different. I also felt that guys need the same recognition as females during homecoming and it helped get more people involved in the actual ceremony,” Savage said.
Savage also played off the fact that Sparkman High School celebrated its 50th homecoming this year. In festivities that capitalized on the differences between 1958 and 2008, adding a king became just one difference between the two eras.
“With this being the 50th anniversary I thought it would be a good year to begin a new tradition and the king idea fit because it is something new and different,” Savage said.
The student body welcomed the idea of a new king. Student government sponsor Katherine Neis said the vote for the king was just as close as the queen’s race and that she was happy with the response of the student body.
Along with crowning Humphrey, Sparkman High School adorned senior Sarah Best with a crown as the 2008 queen.
