There will be no Homecoming King or Queen at Wayne Memorial or John Glenn High School this year.
There will, however, be royalty and some crowns bestowed. Both high schools decided to do away with the gender-specific titles and announce the victors as homecoming “royalty” instead, which can be students of any gender.
Last school year, Wayne Memorial High School brought the idea to change the homecoming gender-specific titles to the attention of the student council. The leadership students at John Glenn High School learned of the concept this summer and the concept was presented to students at both schools. Students agreed and the change in the conventional terminology was adopted. The change is also an effort to be more inclusive for those who do not conform to traditional gender identities and to ensure all students have the opportunity to feel included, a spokesman for the district said in a prepared statement.
Students are voting now to determine which of their peers will be selected for the two homecoming royalty positions. John Glenn High School Homecoming was last Friday and followed a parade along Marquette.
Homecoming at Wayne Memorial High School is planned for Oct. 15 when the royalty will be announced during halftime. This football game is also the annual Crosstown Rival and will start at 7 p.m. There is a $5 admission fee to enter the William Elliot Athletic Field. In addition, the community can support the school on the parade route, which kicks off at 5 p.m. on Fourth Street off of Ash Street, then proceed toward Glenwood Road and head east to the William Elliot Athletic Field.
