There’s No Place Like Homecoming at Pelahatchie High School

by Guest Columnist Kessie Key

For one memorable week, Pelahatchie High School followed the yellow brick road home. Inspired by The Wizard of Oz, our 2026 Homecoming theme, “There’s No Place Like Homecoming,” celebrated school spirit, family traditions, and the community that makes Pelahatchie special.

Students filled the halls with color and creativity during a week of themed dress-up days. On Thursday evening, families and neighbors gathered for the community parade and pep rally. Friday morning brought the Homecoming Maids and their guests together for a brunch hosted by the PHS Homecoming Committee. That evening, the court was presented at Chiefs Stadium, and the Football Maid and Homecoming Queen were crowned before the game. The celebration continued Saturday night with a dance for seventh and eighth graders, followed by a dance for students in ninth through twelfth grades.

We congratulate our 2026 Football Maid, Charlee Nova Lamb, and our 2026 Homecoming Queen, Mary Taylor Nutt. We also congratulate every member of the 2026 PHS Homecoming Court. Each student helped make this year’s celebration one to remember.

For many families, watching the court cross the football field was especially meaningful. Parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and even grandparents stood along the sidelines where they once watched loved ones play football or where they themselves were presented on a Homecoming court. Chiefs Stadium has brand-new turf, but it remains a place filled with memories for generations of our Tribe.

Homecoming gives us a chance to make new memories while sharing the traditions that have brought Pelahatchie families together for years.

The PHS Homecoming Committee extends a heartfelt thank-you to our school and community for their unwavering support. By showing up throughout the week, you showed our students what a true sense of community looks and feels like.

We also thank our band members for the countless hours they spent practicing and performing. From the parade and pep rally to the court presentation and halftime show, their music brought energy and life to every celebration. Their dedication is a treasured part of the Homecoming experience.

As another Homecoming week comes to a close, we are grateful for everyone who helped make it possible. The decorations and dress-up days may change each year, but the feeling of coming together as one Pelahatchie family endures. There truly is no place like Homecoming at PHS.