By Hannah Stafford, News Editor
The 2016 homecoming festivities wrapped up on Saturday, Oct. 8, leaving a trail of excitement behind. Everything from music to athletics to class spirit was showcased and met with much enthusiasm. At the coronation concert Friday night, seniors Aaron Winneroski and Stacey Ballinger were crowned homecoming king and queen.
“It felt awesome to be homecoming king,” said Winneroski. “It was very humbling to be recognized by my class in that way and definitely something I’ll never forget. It was one of the best weekends I have had at Asbury. I was super excited to have Stacey as the queen as well. She is very deserving of it.”
Neither Winneroski nor Ballinger had ever been on homecoming court before, which made this weekend even more exciting for them.
“It’s a big honor and super fun,” said Ballinger. “I definitely was not expecting to even get nominated, so the fact that I won was cool.”
Homecoming king and queen were not the only winners this weekend: the Anchored Class took home first prize in the homecoming dance followed by Vindicated, Visionary and Merciful. Anchored Class President Abby Raetz was very excited at the outcome.
“All the class dances were so good this homecoming and I’m sure it was a really tough decision for the judges, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t super pumped that we won,” said Raetz. “Last year, best year.”
The men’s and women’s soccer teams also played homecoming games on Saturday night and both pulled wins at their respective games. The women’s team won 3-0, while the men triumphed 6-0.
Along with the dance and various sporting events, the music department delivered beautiful performances from each of its ensembles over three very different concert settings. They began with the Concert Band in chapel on Friday, followed by the coronation concert that night at 7:30, featuring the Brass Ensemble, Women’s Choir and Orchestra. The Handbell Choir, Chorale and Men’s Glee Club performed Saturday morning at 11 a.m, followed by a reception and show by the Jazz Band.
“It was an exciting experience,” said sophomore Abby Irwin, who plays the French horn. “Both the orchestra and Concert Band played better than I’d ever heard them. It was also interesting to have Professor Miller’s baton go flying at the end of our [orchestra’s] final piece.”