 A closer look at the 2024 Homecoming Titans

Alexandra Gray, Sports Editor & Brooke Gavin, Staff Writer

Every year, the leaves change color, college football starts playing on every TV, pumpkin spice lattes return, and students at Northview High School get excited about Homecoming. Spirit week, the hallway decorations, the game, and the dance itself become the talk of the town of Northview students every fall. On top of all the festivities is the crowning of Northview’s Homecoming Titans, one of students’ favorite traditions to see each year.

This year, seniors Ibrah Thornton and Chisom Ikpa were bestowed the title. During halftime at the Homecoming football game, the two received the award in front of their families, teachers, and fellow students. Even though the pair were already part of the Homecoming court, this news brought along many emotions.

“I was actually really surprised because I do think people know me because I'm involved in a lot [of things], but I didn't think that many people [outside of that] knew me. Or in comparison, to the other people who were up for voting,” Thornton said.

Thornton is a member of multiple clubs and activities at Northview. She is a part of the step team, Black Students Association, Troupe 6577, Latin Club, and more. By immersing herself in different organizations, she amassed a large circle of friends and values the opportunity Northview provides to get to meet a large variety of people. Her involvement has not gone unnoticed by students or by faculty. Tania Pope, Ibrah’s 3DE teacher, has seen the impact that Thornton has had on the student body.

“Ibrah is amazing. She is such a gifted, dynamic kid with natural leadership skills,” Pope said. I'm so excited about what the future holds for her because she's got so much to give.”

In addition to Thronton, Ikpa is also an avid member of Northview’s community. Ikpa is the vice president of Northview Nation, a member of the debate team, and was a player on Northview’s Varsity Football team for three years. His participation around the school has made him beloved by many at Northview including both teachers and peers.

“It meant a lot because I didn’t expect to be Homecoming Titan,” Ikpa said as he expressed his gratitude for being awarded through peer vote.

Ikpa was surprised by his victory, however, his peers were not. Northview senior Averi Mayer, the Spirit Week Planner on Northview Nation, works closely with Ikpa, and has been able to see firsthand his compassion and empathy. She was among the students who immediately recognized Ikpa’s merit.

“Working with Chisom on Northview Nation has been the biggest honor I’ve ever received at Northview High School,” Mayer said.

As the Homecoming week has come to an end and Northview students officially embark on the next season of sweater weather and pumpkin goods, the recently crowned Homecoming Titans will take these experiences and these joys with them as they begin the next chapters of their lives. Whether it’s Thornton shining on a stage or Ikpa on Northview’s award-winning debate team, both of these seniors have bright futures ahead of them.

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