As homecoming week begins, Tyler Junior College students, faculty and staff start walking to class to the beat of the drum that echoes across campus.
The them this year is “The Legend Continues.” Oct. 19-24 marks the 2009 Apache homecoming week. The Apaches will host Trinity Valley Community College at Trinity Mother Frances Hospital Rose Stadium at 7 p.m. on Oct. 24.
“The main goal of student senate is to make this year the best homecoming ever,” said Zarrick Cannon, sergeant at arms for Student Senate and regional parliamentarian.
By tradition, students, faculty and staff will beat the spirit drum in shifts, 24 hours a day until Saturday’s homecoming football game begins. The TJC tradition, dating back to 1948, says the drumbeat cannot be interrupted until kick-off on game day or the Apaches will lose.
“I am very excited about being a part of the drumbeat tradition,” said Taylar Belt, freshman.
The student senate has many events and activities for students, players, faculty and staff to participate in to help every Apache get excited and ready for the big game.
“Student senate is excited because of the multiple organizations entering for homecoming king and queen,” said Cannon.
Elections for Homecoming King and Queen will be from Oct. 19 to Oct. 20. Any registered TJC student may vote in the Rogers Student Center. The winners will be announced at Saturday’s football game. Also on Tuesday, Campus Capers, the campus talent show, will have their rehearsal in Wise Auditorium at 6 p.m.
Events begin Wednesday at 8 p.m. in Wise Auditorium where TJC students show off their talent at the Campus Capers. Also, TJC’s “Most Handsome” and “Most Beautiful” will be presented and given their mums. Later that night, there will be a midnight breakfast from 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the cafeteria.
On Thursday, as the drumbeat continues, Senate is hosting a Dinner Theatre night featuring KOMPLEX from 7- 9 p.m. in the Apache Rooms in RSC.
Friday will proceed with the Spirit March (parade) starting at 11 a.m. and beginning at the Louise Brookshire Community Tennis Complex and ending at the President’s Pep Rally at noon in Jenkins front lawn where all nominees will be announced. Later that night at 10 p.m., there will be the Homecoming Formal in Rogers Student Center and there, the top five kings and queens will be announced. The cost of the formal is $15 per person or $25 per couple. Any TJC student may attend but their escort does not have to be a TJC student.
Saturday, the big game day, will begin with pregame events at the stadium at 2:30 p.m.
All students, parents, fans, faculty, staff and participants are encouraged to attend the game and cheer on the TJC Apache’s as they face TVCC.
