South Haven News

By Claire Minor

On Feb. 14, 2025, South Haven Schools hosted winter homecoming during halftime of the South Haven basketball game against Central. The homecoming candidates were freshmen Carly Russell and Ely Tompkins, sophomores Makenzie Callison and Cole Spencer, juniors Annabelle Burden and Landon Kuchar, and seniors Aubrey Pond and Grayson Kuchar. The former homecoming king and queen were Jacee Theurer and Alex Smith. Lastly, the first grade attendants were Roslyn Moreland and Ryder Tompkins.

The school is proud to announce that the 2025 Winter Homecoming King and Queen are Landon Kuchar and Makenzie Callison! Homecoming court is nothing new to our king, since this is Kuchar’s third time being elected as a candidate. But amazingly, this was Callison’s first time, and she got queen! Kuchar’s favorite part of homecoming was when he got crowned king, and Callison’s was the pep rally games and creating a HOCO banner with her class.

When asked how they felt when they got nominated, Kuchar said “Surprised.” and Callison said, “I was surprised, but also excited to do all the candidate stuff.” Overall, this year’s 2025 winter homecoming court was enjoyed by all!

ABOUT OUR CANDIDATES:

FRESHMEN

Carly Russell: Carly Russell is the daughter of Missy and Eric Russell. Russell has attended South haven Schools since Pre-k. In Russell’s time here at South Haven, she has participated in FFA, FCA, STUCCO, Math Relays, Volleyball, Basketball, and Cheer.

Ely Tompkins: Ely Tompkins is the son of Matt and Jessica Tompkins of South Haven. Tompkins has attended South Haven since Kindergarten. In Tompkin’s time here at South Haven, he has participated in the South Sumner Outlaw football program. When asked who Tompkins admires most, his response was his father because he is always there.

SOPHOMORES

Makenzie Callison: Makenzie Callison is the daughter of Michelle and Kevin Callison of Wellington. Callison has attended South Haven since the sixth grade. In Callison’s time here at South Haven, she has participated in FCCLA, Math Relays, Class Officer, Cross Country, Basketball, and Track. A fun fact about Callison is that she dreams of being 6’7″ so that she can dunk.

Cole Spencer: Cole Spencer is the son of Tyler and Brittany Spencer of South Haven. Spencer has attended South Haven since Pre-K. In Spencer’s time here at South Haven, he has participated in South Sumner football, FFA, and basketball. When asked what teacher has impacted him the most, his response was Missy Russell because she reminds him to get his work turned in.

JUNIORS

Annabelle Burden: Annabelle Burden is the daughter of Chris and Conita Burden of Wellington. Burden has attended South Haven since freshman year. In Burden’s time here at South Haven, she has participated in FCCLA, FFA, Youth Leadership, cross country, cheer, and basketball. Burden’s favorite food is McDonald’s chicken nuggets with barbeque sauce and Sprite.

Landon Kuchar: Landon Kuchar is the son of Lisa and Lewis Kuchar of South Haven. Kuchar has attended South Haven since the first grade. In Kuchar’s time here at South Haven, he has participated in FFA, 4-H, and basketball. Kuchar’s favorite food is sour candy or any sugary sweet.

SENIORS

Aubrey Pond: Aubrey Pond is the daughter of Sarah and Justin Pond of South Haven. Pond has attended South Haven since Pre-K. In Pond’s time here at South Haven, she has participated in 4-H, FCCLA, STUCCO, SCCDAT, volleyball, and basketball. Pond’s favorite memory at South Haven was going to state basketball three years in a row and hopes to make it a fourth. Pond’s future plans are to attend Southwestern and major in nursing to be a part of the Lady Jinx basketball team.

Grayson Kuchar: Grayson Kuchar is the son of Jamie and David Kuchar of South Haven. Kuchar has attended South Haven since the fifth grade. In Kuchar’s time here at South Haven, he has participated in NHS, STUCCO, FCCLA, SCCDAT, theater, cheer, pep band, scholar’s bowl, and math relays. Outside of school, Kuchar enjoys writing, performing, and recording, country and bluegrass music. His new single, “Continental Divide,” is available on all music screening platforms. Kuchar’s future plans are to attend Cowley College on a full ride scholarship and pursue mass communications and radio broadcasting.

FIRST GRADE ATTENDANTS

Roslyn Moreland: Roslyn Moreland is the daughter of James and Liz Moreland of South Haven. Moreland enjoys math, art, music, and chatting with Aubrey Pond in her class. Moreland also participates in competitive dance with Encore Dance in Wellington.

Ryder Tompkins: Ryder Tompkins is the son of Matt and Jessica Tompkins of South Haven. Tompkins enjoys recess, especially swinging with his friend Will, and playing video games.