South Haven News

By Jayden Woodfin

As part of South Haven’s Homecoming celebrations, students Rae Stroman and Coal VanZant shared their thoughts on what it means to represent their school and be part of this special tradition.

For Stroman, the best part of Homecoming Week is simple dressing up. She enjoys the fun of participating in spirit days and being part of a community that feels like family. “I like having family,” she said when asked what representing the school means to her.

VanZant shared that his favorite school traditions include “the floats for football and the walls for basketball.” He described being on the Homecoming Court as “fun” and said it’s nice to represent the school. If crowned, he said he would “have more fun” and help boost school spirit.

When asked what makes him a good candidate, VanZant said, “I am nice and respectful.” He also mentioned that one of his favorite parts of the week was “coaching the Powder Puff game and doing the floats.”

Both students agreed that Homecoming is a time for fun, creativity, and school pride. Whether it’s dressing up, decorating, or cheering on their classmates, they’ve shown that spirit week is about celebrating the people and traditions that make South Haven special.

Coal VanZant and Arallai Wartick were crowned as South Haven’s Fall Homecoming King and Queen for 2025.

The candidates for this year included freshmen Landon Goeckel and Trista Metzinger. Goeckel is involved in football, basketball, track, cross country, Student Council, Math Relays, and FFA and enjoys trap shooting, spending time at the lake, and making memories with his grandparents. Metzinger is involved in cheer, softball, band, and Scholars Bowl and also participates in her church youth group, shoots archery, and enjoys kicking back with a good book

The sophomore candidates included Will Theurer and Adalyn Irey. Theurer participates in football, basketball, FFA, and Math Relays and enjoys showing livestock, spending time with friends, and helping his dad and grandpa on the farm. Irey participates in in Math Relays, basketball, volleyball, and track and enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching movies, and working.

The junior candidates included Tony Trillo and Carissa Braddy. Trillo is involved in FFA, Student Council, and athletics and enjoys hanging out with friends and making the most of his time with the people who matter most. Braddy is involved in  FFA and FCCLA and is an athlete, playing both volleyball and basketball.

The senior candidates are those two who were crowned for Homecoming Court, VanZant and Wartick. VanZant participates in football, basketball, track, and FFA. VanZant plans to attend either Fort Scott Community College or Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa, where he will major in Farm and Ranch Management, preparing for a future rooted in agriculture.

Wartick is involved in volleyball, basketball, track, powerlifting, FFA, and FCCLA and enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. Wartick plans to pursue a career in cosmetology.