Racine, OH – Southern High School (grades 7–12) proudly celebrated its 2025 Homecoming with a week full of service, spirit, and community pride.
The festivities began with Service Week, during which students participated in a variety of charitable fundraisers to help those in the community. Goals were set collaboratively by the student council and administration. This year’s targets included:
Penny Wars: Raise at least $250
Mad Hatters: Raise at least $200
Food Drive: Collect a minimum of 500 items
Students went above and beyond in their efforts, raising an impressive $462.47 through Penny Wars, $271.10 from Mad Hatters, and collecting 1,017 food items. Southern Elementary (grades PreK–6) added an additional 1,087 items to the total.
The student council chose to donate the funds to a local family currently battling cancer, while the canned food items will be distributed through Southern Food Room, Charlotte’s Cupboard, and the Meigs Cooperative Parish.
Because students exceeded their Service Week goals, they earned additional activities during Spirit Week. Events included a school-wide (including staff) game of Knockout — with Tyrell Johnson taking the championship — as well as a lively class skit and student talent show. A school-wide dodgeball game was won by the Class of 2027, the Class of 2028 captured victory in the Powderpuff Football Tournament, and the Class of 2026 claimed the Volleyball Championship. Sideline commentary was provided by Jerry Johnson and Cooper Diddle.
Throughout Service and Spirit Week, classes competed across multiple categories for the overall Homecoming title. Below are the results:
Category | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Penny Wars | 7th | 10th | 12th | 9th | 8th | 11th |
Food Drive | 7th | 2nd | 10th | 11th | 8th | 9th |
Powder Puff FB | 10th | 9th | 10th | 11th | 8th | 9th |
Volleyball | 12th | 9th | 11th | 9th | 7th | 7th |
Attendance | 11th | 12th | 10th | 9th | 7th | 8th |
Spirit Week Dress | 11th | 10th | 10th | 9th | 8th | 7th |
Floats | 12th | 9th | 11th | 7th | 8th | 2nd |
Final Results | 12th (Winner) | 10th | 11th | 9th | 7th | 8th |
Overall Homecoming Winner: Senior Class of 2026 🎉
Later in the week, students in grades PreK–6 joined the high school for a district-wide Pep Rally, which ended with the Battle Cry still echoing through the gym. The celebration continued with the Annual Homecoming Parade through Racine, led by Mr. Dodson and the outstanding Southern Local Marching Band. Thank you to all who participated or came out to support the event!
During halftime of the football game against Belpre High School — where Southern secured the victory — the 2025 Homecoming Court was presented and the King and Queen were crowned.
2025 Homecoming Court:
Crown Bearer: Mayson Ash
Flower Girl: Harlow Broshears
7th Grade Attendant: Hadley Booth
8th Grade Attendant: Taylor Lewis
9th Grade Attendant: Katelyn Wickline
10th Grade Attendant: Emma Leachman
11th Grade Attendant: Ali Norris
King Candidates: Murphy Dunfee, Hunter Jarrell, David Kemppel, Noah Leachman, and Kase Nelson
Queen Candidates: Lauren Allen, Laynee Hill, Jaylynn Hupp, Audrey Riffle, and Kiersten Rose
The 2024 Homecoming Queen, Allyson Anderson, returned to crown this year’s winners — King David Kemppel and Queen Audrey Riffle.
Special thanks to Laynee Hill and Clarks Jewelry of Pomeroy for donating the crowns, and to East of Shade Flower Farm for the beautiful bouquet.
Southern High extends its appreciation to Student Council Adviser, Miss Ryan Davis, and the Student Council Officers:
President: Audrey Riffle
Vice President: David Kemppel
Treasurer: Wyatt Turner
Reporter: Laynee Hill
Secretary: Lauren Allen
Bailiff: Carson VanMeter
Their leadership and hard work made Homecoming 2025 a spirited and memorable celebration for all students of Southern Local Schools.
