The parade is truly a representation of the entire school district. From the Early Childhood Center float to the high school classes carrying their banners from the hallway decorating competition, the district was represented in a night for all.
Leading the parade were the homecoming grand marshals Sara and Chris Kinne. Both Chris and Sara are longtime volunteers at Thornapple Kellogg Schools. They have three children; Nathan, Class of 2019; Anthony, Class of 2021; and Reese, a sophomore.
The grand marshals were introduced at the halftime celebration by student council members who described them as dedicated supporters, giving time, energy and enthusiasm. “Please join us in thanking Chris and Sara Kinne for their commitment, kindness and Trojan pride. We’re so grateful to have them as part of our fairy tale story.”
The homecoming court introduction followed the Kinne’s at the halftime festivities. Seniors Avery Hagemann and Oliver Lietz were crowned as the Queen and King. Other senior court representatives were Sophia LaHaie and Trey Hilton, and Natileigh Merchant and Ethan Magnuson. Representing the junior class were Sydney Martin and Griffin Grummet. Sophomores were represented by Audrey Kenyon and Trey Kahafer and the freshmen representatives were Layla Kaniewski and Andrew Larsen.
The 2024 King and Queen, Ryan Frizzle and Brooklyn Harmon returned to TK to crown the new homecoming royalty.
Traditions, like crowning the king and queen, are a big part of homecoming. Another longstanding tradition is to recognize some of the younger students who will one day be filling the shoes of those they are watching on the field, in the band and cheering on the sidelines. The middle school 7th and 8th grade band members join the high school band on the field during halftime to play a song with the high school band. It’s a wonderful opportunity for younger students to experience what it’s like playing in the stadium in front of a packed crowd.
On the sidelines, young cheerleaders, with their hair tied back in black and orange bows, join with the high school cheerleaders to lead the crowd in cheering on the team. TK alumni cheerleaders also got a chance to step back in front of the crowd and be part of the homecoming celebration.
The Thornapple Kellogg Alumni Association welcomed everyone and reminded them of the long history, strong school spirit, and celebrated traditions of Thornapple Kellogg Schools.
Homecoming 2025 - a week of celebration of Pride, Class, Tradition. We are TK STRONG!