Alumni, students, and families gathered at the ACS campus on Saturday, October 17 for Homecoming 2020, which featured two exciting Varsity vs. Alumni Soccer games, the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen and presentation of their court, and the dedication of the newly installed artificial turf Varsity Soccer Field. The campus grounds were creatively decorated for fall, including pumpkins painted by students in the high school art classes to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ACS.

Congratulations to our 2020 Homecoming Court — Homecoming King JJ Jacoby, Homecoming Queen Chloe Vogel, Homecoming Princesses Sydney Pearson and Rachel Whisman, and Homecoming Prince Jeremiah Engle. The King and Queen and waved to the crowd as they took the traditional ride around the track in a converted jeep, driven by school parents Michael and Kelly Flynn.

The soccer games against Life Center had to be postponed. Instead, the ACS Varsity teams faced off in two very competitive and fast-paced games against an ACS Men’s Alumni Team and an ACS Women’s Alumni Team. Prior to each game, ACS parent Karen Noble led the crowd in the singing of the National Anthem.

The Alumni Men won their game 2 to 1, with Ben Noble (’20) and Tommy Tillis (’10) scoring and assisting for the Alumni team and sophomore Jake DeNick scoring the ACS Varsity team’s goal. The ACS Varsity Women beat the Alumni 5 to 2. Sophomore Eden Wilson scored three goals, and senior Chloe Vogel and sophomore Paige Noble each scored one. For the alumni, Abigail Vogel (’18) assisted her sister, Sarah Vogel Laury (’11), on one goal, and DJ Hitchner (’17) assisted her sister, Carly Harper Witherow (’08), on the second goal.

Between the games, ACS dedicated the new artificial turf soccer field and recognized supporter Ralph Clayton for spearheading and funding the project. He was presented with the game ball, which was later signed by the players on the Varsity teams.

The concession stand was busy throughout the day helping raise funds for ACS Athletics, and students, staff, and alumni enjoyed competing for Chick-fil-A gift cards in a 50th anniversary Homecoming Court Photo Contest, with contestants having to guess the names of the Homecoming Kings and Queens going back to the first Court in 2004. Later that evening, our high school students enjoyed a fun and safe night out at the Homecoming Dance.

Thank you to Athletic Director Pam Hitchner for putting together a family friendly event, assisted by PE teachers Ben Chapman and Kaylee Breunig. We are also grateful to the dedicated volunteers who helped with food, concessions, set-up, and clean-up, including Laura Einwechter, Karen Noble, Ray Picking, Heather and Scott Shivers, Paul and Terry Vogel. CLICK HERE to see our Homecoming Photo Gallery.