October 7, 2024
The Pearl River Community College student body has elected the Homecoming Court for 2024. Their official presentation will be just prior to the Pearl River versus Copiah-Lincoln football game on Oct. 10. They will ride to Dobie Holden Stadium in the Homecoming Parade beginning at 5:15 p.m. at Seal Hall and ending at Old Stadium Drive in time for Wildcat Walk at 5:30 p.m. The official court presentation on the field is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Tickets are available online at PRCCAthletics.com/tickets.
Queen
The 2024 Homecoming Queen is Southhaven resident, Thailan Payne.
Payne is the daughter of Fraddia Jackson and the late Melrick T. Payne. Payne was a graduate of Desoto Central High School, where she was a member of the women’s basketball team, on the Student Council, a part of the Spirit Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, was a Graduate of Distinction recipient, was on Homecoming court all 4 years and named Homecoming Queen and Prom Queen her Senior year.
Payne is on the Women’s Wildcat Basketball Team and is actively involved with Fellowship of Christian Athletes. After completing her associate degree, she plans to continue her academic and athletic career at a Division 1 institution and earn a degree in dermatology. She hopes to one day play basketball overseas and then open a dermatology clinic.
“Being Homecoming Queen is an incredible honor that goes beyond just a title; it’s a reflection of the love and support of my peers and the community at Pearl River Community College,” said Payne. “It means representing our Wildcat spirit and embodying the values of leadership, kindness, and commitment to service that define our campus culture.
“I want to be a beacon of positivity and encouragement, celebrating not just my journey but all the incredible stories that come together to make our campus a remarkable place.”
Freshman Maids
This year’s Freshman Maids are Abbie Honeycutt of Purvis representing Forrest County Campus, Charity Magee of Gulfport representing the Poplarville Campus, De’Asia Ward of Foxworth representing the Poplarville Campus, and Lily Yanez of Bay St. Louis representing Hancock County Campus.
Honeycutt is the daughter of Jerry and Stacy Honeycutt of Columbus. She graduated from Purvis High School where she served on the homecoming court for three years, was selected as a Mississippi Scholar, maintained A/B Honor Roll, was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Mosaic Club, and was a CTE Early Childcare completer.
While at Pearl River, Honeycutt is pursuing a degree in Nursing and is currently in the travel club and the science club. Her plans after PRCC are to transfer to William Carey to pursue a BSN degree and then become a labor and delivery nurse.
“It is such an honor and blessing to not only represent the freshman class, but also such a sweet school who goes above and beyond for each and every student,” said Honeycutt.
Magee is the daughter of Dr. Gregg S. Magee Senior and Mrs. Irene Magee. She graduated from Gulfport High School where she participated in the Band, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, served as Student Ambassador, was a Reporter for the school news, a member of the live broadcasting team, DECA, and the Interact Club.
She is majoring in Journalism and is a member of the Spirit of the River marching band. Magee plans to transfer to USM to complete her education following PRCC.
Ward is the daughter of Chanell & Demond Ward of Foxworth and Grand Bay, Alabama. She graduated from West Marion High School where she was a member of the National Technical Honors Society and co-captain of the WMHS cheerleading team.
She is a member of the William Lewis Honor Institute studying nursing and is active at The Life Church in Picayune. She is pursuing a degree in the Physical Therapy Assistant program and plans to further her education at Alcorn State University.
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. She is majoring in finance and plans to attend Mississippi State University to further her education.
“Having the chance to be on the PRCC homecoming court means a great deal to me,” said Yanez. “Being selected by my classmates to represent the school makes me feel so honored to be a part of the Wildcat family!”
Sophomore Maids
Sophomore Maids for 2024 are Meg Broom of Columbia representing the Poplarville Campus, Trinit’t Coleman of Hattiesburg representing the Forrest County Campus, Madison Doyle of Bay Saint Louis representing the Hancock County Campus, and Sofia Tranquillani of Sao Paula, Brazil representing the Poplarville Campus.
Broom is the daughter of Clay and Pennie Broom. Broom graduated from Columbia Academy, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, the Key Club, DECA, The Crown Club, Senior Class Treasurer and Vice President of Educators Rising.
She is currently studying Elementary Education and serves as a leader at the Baptist Student Union. After PRCC, Broom plans to transfer to William Carey University to complete her degree in Elementary Education.
“I am honored to be elected as Sophomore Maid for the Poplarville Campus,” said Broom. “Pearl River Community College is such a special place to me, and I will always cherish these memories!”
Coleman is the daughter of Kristy and Larry Orange. She graduated from Oak Grove High School where she was a member of the basketball cheer team.
She is currently studying radiology technology and a member of Phi Theta Kapa Honors Society as well as the Travel Club. She plans to transfer to the University of Arkansas to continue her education and then attend Dosimetry School in Miami, Florida
Doyle is the daughter of Brittany Doyle and Jonathan Perry. She is a graduate of Hancock High School. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, going on beach rides jamming out to music, and working at her job. She plans to transfer to a university to pursue an ultrasound tech degree.
“I was completely surprised yet so happy to be asked to be on the Homecoming Court,” said Doyle. “Being a part of an honored tradition at PRCC gives me hope for my future!”
Tranquillini is the daughter to her American host family Mr. Caleb Martin & Ms. Toni Martin of Bogalusa, Louisiana. attended Bens Ford Christian School in Bogalusa where she played both basketball and softball. She is currently a River Navigator who helps represent PRCC to prospective students and is a member of PRCC Singers. She plans to apply for PRCC’s Associate Degree of Nursing program and continue her studies to become an RN.
“I am honored to be on the PRCC Homecoming Court; for me, it means living the American dream, being an international student from Brazil,” said Tranquillini. “For me, all these experiences at PRCC are like being in a movie, especially this one. I’m so thankful to be living this dream, like in the American movies.
“Being nominated sophomore maid for homecoming is out of this world for me. Thank you PRCC for this honor and all of my friends who voted on me and helped me, this Brazilian girl couldn’t be happier!”
HOMECOMING WEEK
Beginning Monday, October 7, Pearl River will host several events for faculty, students, and the community leading to Thursday’s game. Events are on the Poplarville Campus unless otherwise noted.
Monday, October 7
Bingo Night for students at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria
Tuesday, October 8
Fall Fest at 11:30 a.m. between the Cafeteria and Library
Tie Dye for students starting at Noon at the Outdoor Courts
Wednesday, October 9
Forrest County Campus Homecoming Hangout at Noon at River Park
Karaoke Night for students at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria
Thursday, October 10
Homecoming Parade at 5:15 p.m. from Seal Hall to Stadium Drive
Wildcat Walk at 5:30 p.m. between the new dorms and stadium
Homecoming Court Presentation at 6:30 p.m. in Dobie Holden Stadium
Football vs. Copiah-Lincoln at 7 p.m. in Dobie Holden Stadium
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), Facebook (@PRCCMKTG), and TikTok (@prcc_wildcats).
Article by Laura O’Neill. Photography by Lauren Johnson.
