Students at West Elk High School are taking a “Road Trip” this week as they are showing their school spirit during winter homecoming week 2024.
The Patriots are slated to host South Haven this Friday, Jan. 26 and will crown the 2024 winter homecoming King and Queen at halftime of the boys game.
For spirit week, students and faculty/staff were to dress as they were “late to leave” on Tuesday (pajama day). Wednesday was “Suitcase Swap,” where particpants are encouraged to dress like a friend or teacher; Thursday is “Dress as your Destination” and Friday is “Headed Home,” where participants should wear Red, White and Blue.
Winter homecoming candidates include, all seniors, for King: Ethan Hogan, Uriah Tillapaugh, Holton McLean and Nolan Denton; and for Queen: Courtney Hare, Destrie Knight, Jayda Wright-Mc-Donald and Elizabeth Lassley. Kindergarten attendants for this year’s event are Elaine Maxine Criger, daughter of Kyle and Jill Criger of Howard and Beau Oliver Houchin, son of Ben and Heather Houchin of Howard.
Students in grades ninth - 12th will also decorate shopping carts and trophy cases for the annual event.
The winter semi-formal dance will be held on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 7:30 - 10 p.m.
The theme song for this year’s event is “Traveller” by Chris Stapleton.
The following information was provided, listing the candidates’ activities they have participated in during high school.
Courtney Shay Hare
Courtney Shay Hare, daughter of Chris and Shelley Hare of Severy, has been involved in FFA, FCA, Cheer and Softball, throughout high school. Following graduation, she plans to attend Independence Community College to become a Vet Tech.
Ethan Micheal Hogan
Ethan Micheal Hogan, son of Micheal and Venessa Hogan of Moline, is involved in FFA, FFA Farm Board, FCA and Student Council. After graduation, he plans to attend Missouri Welding Institute.
Destrie Elaine Knight
Destrie Elaine Knight, daughter of Shayla Knight of Severy, has been involved in FCCLA and FFA, throughout high school. Following graduation, she plans to attend Independence Community College, get her CNA, CMA and eventually become an Registered Nurse.
Uriah Preston Tillapaugh
Uriah Preston Tillapaugh, son of Preston Tillapaugh of Grenola and Rochelle Ratcliff of Moline, has been involved in Football, Basketball, Baseball, FFA, FFA Farm Board, FCA, 4-H and Student Council, while at West Elk. His future plans are to attend Wichita Technical Institute for a HVAC certification.
Elizabeth Marie Lassely
Elizabeth Marie Lassely, daughter of Mark Lassely of Howard and Allison Jarvis of Howard, is involved in FCCLA. After graduation, she plans to become a Nurse.
Nolan David Denton
Nolan David Denton, son of Tyson Denton and Amanda Denton, both of Howard, has been involved in FCA, Wrestling, Baseball, West Elk Play Production, AXIOS and Math Team, throughout high school. After graduation, he plans to go to college.
Jayda Lee Wright-McDonald
Jayda Lee Wright-Mc-Donald, daughter of Nina and Robert McDonald of Elk Falls, has been involved in FCA and FCCLA, throughout high school. Her future plans are to attend Emporia State University and major in nursing.
Holton Scott McLean
Holton Scott McLean, son of April McLean of Howard and the late Scott McLean, has been involved in FFA, Football and Trap. His future plans are to attend Missouri Welding Institute to be a pipeline welder.
