October 24, 2025
Pearl River Community College Wildcats came from near and far to celebrate Homecoming 2025. Evening festivities began with the Homecoming Parade and ended with a football game against the Hinds Eagles, leaving attendees with lifelong memories.
The Spirit of the River Marching Band, String of Pearls, color guard, and cheerleaders led the parade, followed by the Homecoming Court riding in style on PRCC golf carts.
Upon arriving at Old Stadium Drive, the boys in Maroon and Gold were met with a roar of cheers from the crowd during the Wildcat Walk as they made their way to the field to begin warm-ups.
The Alumni Tailgate Pavilion, located in the north end zone, bustled with excitement as alumni of all ages enjoyed a delicious spread. The Department of Fine Arts and Communication joined the celebration as they honored 2025 Hall of Fame inductees Dr. Kellye Bolar of Picayune and Dr. Kyle Hill of West Hattiesburg. Tailgating sponsors and several PRCC athletic teams enjoyed fellowship, food, and fun in the south end zone, while the Student Activities Board had food and games for tailgating before the game started.
Homecoming Court Presentation
Prior to kick-off, the Homecoming Court was presented.
The 2025 Homecoming Queen is Kiln resident Emilee Grace Swilley.
Swilley is the daughter of Brian and Desiree Swilley. A graduate of Hancock High School, Swilley served as the Vice President of Student Council and was a member of the National Honor Society. She attends Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Dedeaux and was a member of the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi Spirit Movers organization.
At The River, Swilley has served as a River Navigator, is a member of our honor society Phi Theta Kappa, is active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and plays a vital role in PRCC’s championship baseball program as a work-study under coach Michael Avalon. She plans to major in Business Administration, and she is planning to transfer to The University of Southern Mississippi next Fall.
This year’s Freshman Maids are Kylie Stewart of Sumrall representing Forrest County Campus, Laura Kathryn Smith of Sumrall representing the Poplarville Campus, Bailee Gamble of Brookhaven representing the Poplarville Campus, and Haydin Lindberg of Bay St. Louis representing Hancock County Campus.
Stewart is the daughter of Michelle and Dax Stewart. A graduate of Sumrall High School, she was an active member of the Drama Club and Improv Troupe #8396. She attends St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and is currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education, with plans to transfer to the University of Southern Mississippi to earn her bachelor’s degree.
Smith is the daughter of Josh and Kathryn Smith. During her high school career Laura was a competitive athlete, participating in both Golf and Softball. Smith now competes on PRCC’s golf team. Smith is an active member of Phi Theta Kappa and Fellowship of Christian Athletes while also serving her peers by tutoring with TRiO. Smith plans to continue her educational career at a four-year university, majoring in Biology and pursuing a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Gamble is the daughter of Denetria Gamble and Michael Husband. Bailee attended Brookhaven High School, where she maintained the achievement of A/B Honor Roll on top of being a two-sport athlete. Gamble was a member of the All-District Basketball team for three years in a row and played volleyball for her school. After PRCC, she plans to attend Florida A&M University to earn a doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Lindberg is the daughter of Jacob and Sarah Lindberg. Haydin graduated from Bay High School, where she was a member of the Bay High Cheer Team, and served as the Senior Treasurer. Lindberg is majoring in business and marketing with plans to transfer to the University of South Alabama to obtain her bachelor’s degree.
Sophomore Maids for 2025 are Harley Garraway of McLaurin representing Forrest County Campus, Crystal Grace Johnson of Columbia representing the Poplarville Campus, Jada Johnson of Gautier representing the Poplarville Campus, and Lily Yanez of Bay St. Louis representing Hancock County Campus.
Garraway of Hattiesburg is the daughter of Jennifer and William Garraway. A graduate of Forrest County Agricultural High School, Garraway was an active member of the Beta Club and the FCAHS Choir. Harley is studying Public Safety at Pearl River with plans to transfer to Mississippi State University and earn a bachelor’s degree in criminology.
Crystal Grace Johnson of Columbia is the daughter of Chris and Tibby Johnson. She is a proud graduate of East Marion High School, where she served as Class President, a member of the Beta Club, cheer team captain, and the National Honor Society Secretary. At Pearl River, Crystal was the Women’s Basketball Manager for the 2024-2025 Champion basketball team. After PRCC, she plans to attend a four-year university, majoring in Information Technology, with a minor in business. Her career goals include working for a competitive firm and entrepreneurship.
Jada Johnson of Gautier is the daughter of William Brown and Calvin and Amanda Brown. She is a top 20 percent graduate of Gautier High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, secretary of the City of Gautier Youth Mayoral Council, Student of the Year, and the 2024 Ambition Student. Alongside these academic achievements, Johnson was a member of the cheer team, color guard, dance team, and played the saxophone. At Pearl River, she is an active member of the Spirit of the River Marching Band and PRCC Singers. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and serves as a sophomore representative of the Student Government Association. After Pearl River, Johnson plans to transfer to a four-year university, pursuing a career in family law with ambition to become a judge.
Yanez is the daughter of Dr. Dimitri Yanez of Bay St. Louis and Leah Gillis of Louisiana. She graduated from Our Lady Academy in the Bay where she was on both the swim team and the track team and a member of the OLA Ambassador Club. A member of Phi Theta Kappa, she is majoring in finance and plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi, striving to earn a Master of Business Administration and a Ph.D. in Mathematical Finance.
Football Game Recap
Wildcat fans were thrilled with the excitement of the Homecoming football game. The team’s entrance kicked off the festivities in spectacular fashion.
Kevin Hedgepeth, Pearl River alum and hospital administrator for Pearl River County Hospital and Nursing Home – Forrest Health, served as honorary captain, participating in the coin toss. Between the first and second quarters, Shay Emelio, Erin Lee, and Tanya Dubuisson represented Hancock Whitney as the bank was recognized as a longtime supporter of Pearl River. At the conclusion of the second quarter, Forrest Health representatives were recognized on the field for sponsoring the game.
The Pearl River Wildcats battled under the homecoming lights, but No. 12 Hinds proved too strong in a 56-13 decision. Running back Keenan Franks (State Line; Greene County) provided the highlights for Pearl River, scoring both Wildcat touchdowns — a pair of determined runs punctuating his 50-yard night. Quarterback Kobe Pierce (Laurel) connected with Howard Kinchen (Lafayette, La.; Patterson) on a key fourth-down completion to set up the first score.
The halftime show opened with the presentation of the 2025 Fine Arts Hall of Fame recipients, Bolar and Hill, honoring their contributions before a crowd of alumni and fans.
The celebration continued as the Spirit of the River Marching Band, String of Pearls, and Color Guard delivered a high-energy, unforgettable performance with festive flair, including WC Rivers in a sparkly tuxedo, showcasing PRCC tradition and pride.
Find more details about the game here: Keenan Franks turns in two-touchdown effort against No. 12 Hinds.
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), Facebook (@PRCCMKTG),and TikTok (@prcc_wildcats).
Article by Laura O’Neill. Photography by Laura O’Neill and Patrick Peerboom.
