By Alex Allain

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — The gym of Natchez High School has been abuzz this week, and it has nothing to do with basketball.

Students and teachers have been eagerly preparing for the festivities of homecoming week.

From crafting float decorations to coordinating the event schedule, everyone in the gym has been involved with the effort.

In celebration of the homecoming game, Natchez High had its Coronation Ball on Thursday night, and a parade will commence at the bluff at 2:30 p.m.

The Coronation Ball featured students performing a royal waltz and culminated in the crowning of Mr. and Mrs. Natchez High. Candidates for these titles were required to have at least a 3.0 GPA and be active members of the school community. They were then elected by votes from the entire student body.

Mr. and Mrs. NHS for 2011 are Ryan Lewis and Deborah Whitley.

“I was honored to be selected, because although I have received academic awards before, this is different. I will do my best to represent the school,” Whitley said.

Whitley was quick to mention that all Natchez High students should be commended for their contributions to homecoming week.

“It’s not my time; it is everyone’s time. (The students) deserve recognition because they have meaningfully contributed to this week’s events,” Whitley said.

Lewis and Whitley were invested with their royal honors, a crown and tiara, by Little Mr. and Mrs. Natchez High, Kaimon Shaw and Angelica King.

The community is invited to enjoy the homecoming parade which will depart from the bluff at 2:30 and head up Franklin St., take a right at Holder’s Drug Store and proceed down Main St., encouraging onlookers to support them tonight.

“We are all excited,” junior Damian Washington said. “The theme of homecoming is ‘Barking with Bulldog Pride,’ and tonight will be fun for the whole community.”

Students expressed they hoped to share their work and pride with the community.

“(The effort) places a positive light on the Natchez-Adams School District. It shows if we work hard enough, we can do anything,” junior Michael Cleveland said.

All schools in the district will be represented in the parade. Parade coordinator Creseda Crawford said that she is excited for it.

“We were very pleased with the parade last year, and we hope to maintain this tradition for years to come,” Crawford said.

Line up for the parade will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the bluff.

Senior homecoming maid Cierra Smith said she encourages everyone to come out to the game.

The Natchez Bulldogs face the Warren Central Vikings Friday, starting at 7:30 pm.