Friday here in Carroll County will be the beginning of homecomings 2025 with the J.Z. George High School Jaguars homecoming parade at 11 a.m. The Carroll Academy Rebels homecoming parade will be the next Friday, September 26. Through the years as the parades makes the rounds through the streets of North Carrollton, it brings to mind how homecoming’s of the past had a long history here, just like in others hometowns. Just like years ago, a homecoming is a festive occasion. It is a time when alumni and current students come together. Alumni for example, expand on their time away from school that in some cases has been over decades. They tell stories about their high school days to their grandchildren and even great grandchildren.
However, what makes Homecoming special for everyone are the roots that a person has in a community from their school days, no matter how deep those roots run. For years I have heard stories that both Mama and Daddy have told me about their school days at J.Z. George. This being homecoming week 2025, I'm reminded of how homecoming is an important tradition in high schools. It builds school spirit and pride. It is a way for students to come together and show their support for their school and their community. Homecoming week is a time for students to have fun and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Regardless of the year you graduated or the school that you graduated from, homecoming symbolizes and celebrates our shared bond with a strong, proud and successful public school system that defines the community in which we live, work and play. It reflects and shows off a schools past as a small, rural town, and our present as a diverse suburban area.
Carroll County has a long and proud history of community spirit and service. We acknowledge that history in different ways, including the annual homecoming parades, games, and festivities which brings our history to life.
Ken Strachan serves as the mayor of North Carrollton, is a member of the Mississippi Municipal League board of directors, and is president of the North Central Mayor’s Association.
