Homecoming 2024 – In My Macon Era
Macon East celebrated Homecoming the week of September 30 – October 5. This year’s Homecoming week was a time of fun and competition all centered around the theme, “In My Macon Era.” Events included themed dress up days of In my Vacation Era (dream vacation), Sweet Home Alabama Era (redneck vs country club, Beginning / End of an Era (babies vs senior citizens), In My Celebrity Era and In My Macon Era (homecoming shirts and Macon gear). The entire school really enjoyed dressing up and showing their school spirit. Other events during the week included a homecoming crashers, and a fun boys volleyball game. The cheerleaders entertained everyone with a fantastic blacklight pep rally Thursday night. The annual upper school tailgate was a time of good food and lots of fun and fellowship. The lower school students enjoyed tailgating as well. As the school day ended, everyone gathered in the parking lot for the Homecoming Parade. Each lower school class carried a sign down the parade route. The wee princess, little damsel, and pee wee cheerleaders along with the pee wee football team rode on floats and trailers throwing goodie bags to the crowd. Homecoming attendants threw goodies to the crowd as well from their decorated vehicles. Homecoming Court attendants selected by their classmates were Ashley Davis (7th grade), Kylie Taylor (8th grade), Bentley Graham (9th grade), Bella Chambers and Gracie Strickland (10th grade), Bree Grisco, Hagen Owens, and Payton Underwood (11th grade), Alexis Davis, Mary Taylor May, Mattie Pugh, and Shamaiah Thomas (12th grade). At halftime of the football game, Miss Shamaiah Thomas was crowned as the 2024 Homecoming Queen. The Student Government Association officers and members did an outstanding job planning and organizing all of this year’s Homecoming week activities.
The Knights celebrated homecoming with a dominant 60-0 shutout against North River Christian, marking their third shutout of the season. Thad McKinney led the way with 82 rushing yards, including a 57-yard touchdown, and a 65-yard kickoff return. Sam Wallace threw for 89 yards with two touchdown passes and added a 30-yard touchdown run and a 45-yard punt return for a touchdown. Carter Hopson contributed with a 45-yard touchdown run and a 51-yard touchdown reception. Micah Andrews caught two touchdown passes. On defense, Hopson had nine tackles, McKinney recorded four tackles and a sack, Mathew Pugh had five tackles and a fumble recovery, and Wallace intercepted a pass.
Macon East Academy students 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 and 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐨𝐧 attended the 2024 HOBY Alabama Leadership Seminar at Troy University. At HOBY (Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership), high school students explore their leadership potential through inspiring leadership development programs. It allows students to build a network of positive community change-makers and a more comprehensive network of HOBY Alumni. After the seminar, HOBY alumni are challenged to complete 100 hours of community service within the next year as a way to put their passion and newly built leadership skills into action. Anna went through the interview process and was chosen as a counselor for the ambassadors this year!
The Macon East Academy varsity softball team showcased their prowess on the field by securing their 11th state championship at the AISA AAA state tournament, held at the Lagoon Park Softball Complex. Their victory over Clarke Prep School not only added another championship trophy to their collection but also highlighted the exceptional talent within the team. Senior pitcher Casey Stengell’s performance was particularly outstanding, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Additionally, Lathan Johnson, Jamya Powell, Miya Tatum, and Casey Stengell were honored by making the all-tournament team. Moreover, the representation of Macon East in the AISA All-Star game by seniors Lathan Johnson, Kaiden Byrom, and Casey Stengell and junior, Miya Tatum further underscores the caliber of players the program develops. This triumph reaffirms Macon East Academy’s dominance in the sport and their unwavering commitment to excellence.