Reverse Homecoming a success

Alyssa Chapin, Staff Writer
February 6, 2012
Filed under News

Reverse Homecoming is an American tradition that for years has been defined as votes being casted for the most popular male students, but this year at East Mecklenburg it also benefits the community.

Students at East Meck have chosen their favorite nominee by donating money to each student. Tennant Gardner raised the most money and has been crowned Homecoming King. Nick Mariano is first runner up and Andy Thuan is the second runner up.

“I think East should vote for Homecoming Queen and King at the same time,” said nominee Ben Lineberger, “But I think the charity is a great cause.”

On February 1^st the guys on the court all endorsed the cause they were supporting by appearing on the announcements and spreading the word.

“Last year we raised $1,189 for Stand Up for Kids, this year we hope to be able to match that,” said advisor Martha Deiss.

This year’s Homecoming Kings exceeded their goal with a combined $1,392 dollars, which will go to an organization called A Child’s Place (ACP). This group raises money for children who live without a home. The money obtained goes towards paying for homeless students’ education and a place for them to stay.

“A lot of people consider being homeless as sleeping under bridges,” said Deiss, “but it’s actually mostly couch surfing and finding a place to stay.”

ACP will pay for a hotel room for student and their families during their time of need. While it costs $62,000 for a child to be held in the juvenile court system, and $39,000 to be later incarcerated as an adult, ACP only pays $695 dollars for one year of housing.

“The charity is such a great cause,” said nominee Aaron Grant, “I am honored to be a part of it.”