Staff Writer

Oct. 2, 2000 10 PM

Charles Henderson High School is ready to show Southside, Selma, Panthers just what Homecoming means to them.

CHHS principal Linda Felton said Homecoming is about more than a football game.

"It’s about unifying our school," Felton said.

The excitement of Homecoming Week "brings us together as a family," she said.

By the time the actual game rolls around, the Trojans and their fans should be in a frenzy considering all the activities going on this week.

Throughout the week, students will wear clothing appropriate to the day’s theme. The days are sponsored by the cheerleaders who are working to get everyone ready for the Homecoming game.

Homecoming Week kicked off yesterday with Tacky Day and the beginning of the float building Monday night.

The CHHS campus will have a down-home feel during Overalls Day today. And, those Trojans may be hard to spot if they get in a wooded area on Wednesday because they will be wearing camouflage.

Showing all that school spirit on Orange and Blue Day will be what the students are doing Thursday. The school will have a bonfire at 6:30 p.m. on the area next tot he tennis courts on campus.

Friday, which will be Dress Up Day, is when everything will come to a fever pitch.

The Homecoming assembly will bring 1991 graduate Cheryl Parker back to campus when she speaks at 9:30 a.m.

Parker graduated from Spelman College with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and will graduate with a degree in education research from Georgia State University in January. She is currently employed with the IBM Corporation in Atlanta as a business analyst and is active in the community as a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Grady Hospital Sickle Cell Unit and the Literacy Volunteers of America.

After the assembly, Parker will join other CHHS alumni at a reception in their honor being held in the ROTC Rifle Range next to the gym. Graduates from the following classes will be honored during the week: 1921, 1931, 1941, 1951, 1961, 1971, 1981, 1991, plus the future graduates of 2001.

"Homecoming is special for those who have attended Charles Henderson to come back," Felton said.

"It’s a time for our studnets to see success stories and see that you can attend Charles Henderson High School and accomplish your dreams," Felton said.

At 1:30 p.m., school will be dismissed so everyone can prepare for the Homecoming parade, which will roll through downtown Troy at 3 p.m.

Just before the 7:30 p.m. kickoff, the CHHS Homecoming court will be presented to all the Trojan fans who will be present to cheer on their 3-1 team against the Panthers at Memorial Stadium.