By Jeb Sharp

Rock stars and country folk have graced the halls of Pike Liberal Arts School as the Patriots gear up for their big homecoming game on Friday night.

The theme for PLAS’s homecoming theme has been musical genres. On Monday, the students dressed up in disco attire; on Tuesday, rock-and-roll costumes; and on Wednesday, country outfits.

Assistant Headmaster Becky Baggett believes that the homecoming atmosphere has had a positive effect on the students.

“Everyone has been very excited,” Baggett said. “The students have all been dressing up, and everyone has enjoyed the more laid-back atmosphere.”

Tonight at 5:30, the school will be holding its first homecoming parade. Each class at the school will participate in the parade – some carrying banners, others decorating wagon “floats.”

The parade will begin behind Troy Regional Medical Center and will culminate in front of the school where a bonfire will be held. The Pike Liberal Arts Athletic Association will be selling barbecue plates at the bonfire to benefit the school’s athletic program.

The bonfire will lead into a blackout pep rally that night, slated to begin around 7.

The activities continue into Friday when the school will hold a homecoming assembly at 9 a.m. to announce the homecoming court. A reception for current students and alumni will be held at 10 a.m., following the assembly.

“We encourage all of our past alumni to come to the reception. We appreciate the support of our entire Pike community,” Baggett said. “Without their support, we would not be able to do everything that we want to do here at Pike. We’re a private school, so we depend on our alumni donations.”

The Patriots square off against Lyman Ward Military Academy at 7 Friday night. The PLAS dance team will perform a routine prior to the game at 6:40 pm. The homecoming queen will be announced at halftime and last year’s queen, Emily Wise, will be home from Auburn University to crown her replacement.

Baggett invites all of the Patriot family to attend the game on Friday.

“Homecoming should be what its name indicates,” she said. “We like to see all the community involvement that we can.”