By CAROLINE CARMICHAEL / Staff Writer

For its traditional pre-homecoming celebration this year, Jemison High School launched its very first homecoming cook-off in the “old part of town” in downtown Jemison on the evening of Sept. 14.

With more than 400 people in attendance, it was hit.

Principal Diane Calloway said JHS wanted to try something new to better include the community in Panther pride homecoming pep.

Prior years’ events included bonfires and a parade with decked out floats.

“We would like to see this thing grow to a nice community event,” Calloway said, expressing how pleased she was at this year’s turnout. She said JHS would like to see the cook-off become an annual event for Jemison schools and the community as a whole to enjoy.

The cook-off featured live music from the school band, a performance by JHS cheerleaders, introduction of JHS Homecoming Court and a special address by Mayor Eddie Reed.

Cook-off and decorated tent competitions added special flare to the celebration, judged by Superintended Tommy Glasscock, Betty Jones and Allen Wilson.

To qualify for competition, food had to be grilled or smoked.

JHS grades nine to 12, the JHS band, Jemison Fire Department and FFA and FFCLA clubs competed from their respective tents.

Contest winners were announced by JHS science teacher Tommy Lenoir.

According to Calloway, the sophomore class won the cook-off with their kabobs, earning a giant 3-foot spatula for an award. Juniors were awarded an honorable mention.

Seniors and the JHS band tied for the tent competition, Calloway said.

Calloway said a homecoming classroom door decoration contest earned Jason Easterling’s door first place, with teachers Sandi Cullen, Kathy Buffalo and Marsha Lake receiving honorable mentions for their classroom doors.

Calloway said JHS hopes to include other Jemison schools in the cook-off participation in coming years. She said with this year’s turnout, hosting the event again would likely be quite the “hit” once more.