ROCKINGHAM — A pair of week-long competitions came to a close during Richmond Senior High School’s pep rally Friday.
Just hours ahead of kickoff of the Raiders’ annual homecoming game, a new king and queen were announced.
The end of spirit week also saw the newest Mr. and Miss School Spirit named, as well as the faculty’s biggest supporter.
Voted on by the student body, Keidreion Crump and Jamyia Lindsey were tabbed the homecoming king and queen of the class of 2025.
Billy West and Hanna Smith let their costumes do the talking as they won Mr. and Miss School Spirit. Richmond’s students also voted Kisha Murray, the assistant bookkeeper, as the school’s faculty representative.
Lindsey, a four-year varsity basketball player and verbal commit to NC A&T State University, said the excitement and nerves were all wrapped into one.
“Today was a very special and exciting day for me, also very nerve racking,” Lindsey said. “I’m very thankful to represent Richmond County as the homecoming queen.
“I want to thank my peers for voting and supporting me, allowing me to win this award. And a big thank you to all the parents and students who showed love and support today.”
Crump, a starting defensive back for the Raider football team, said the festivities ahead of kickoff were a welcomed surprise.
“Today was special and it will be a memorable day for me,” Crump said. “I was very surprised when I heard that I won, but I really appreciate all my peers and anyone else who voted for me.
“And I appreciate all the love and support everyone showed me today and the rest of the homecoming court.”
Richmond’s daily spirit week themes were music genre, Disney, wacky tacky, teacher/student swap and green and gold days. Members of the spirit week court were judged based on their first three days’ costumes.
Smith, a three-sport athlete, dressed as pop artist Bruno Mars, Disney’s Merida and wore an assortment of mismatched clothing that included a safety vest and a bowl of Froot Loops as a hat.
“I was super excited to win Miss School Spirit,” Smith said. “I have always loved spirit week and went all out for it.
“Winning Miss School Spirit was such an honor and made being on the homecoming court even better. I was so happy to win and represent our senior senate.”
West, who is Richmond’s place kicker and punter, participated as rapper Kanye West, wore a full costume of Randall from Monsters, Inc. and sported a safety vest and a Santa hat on wacky tacky day.
“Homecoming is always a very special day for senior football players and the homecoming court,” West explained. “The most memorable and nerve racking part of my day wasn’t actually the football game, it was the announcement of Mr. School Spirit.
“When you’re crowned for the award you’re not only representing yourself, you’re representing the love and pride you have for your school.”
The Raiders went on to defeat Union Pines 27-8 in Friday’s homecoming game, their fifth straight win. Before kickoff, the female members of the homecoming court were recognized.
Below are photos of Friday’s pep rally, provided by Richmond County Schools.