DEMOPOLIS-With homecoming only a week and a day away Demopolis High School released the names of members of their 2005 Homecoming Court Friday.

Senior maids for this year will be Shawnese Armstead, Gabby Rivas and Katerria Johnson. Junior maids will be Riley Tucker and Brittany Harris. Sophomore maids will be Brandi McBee and Sharteedra Austin. Freshman maids will be Valissa Sams and Shantrece Braxton.

This year’s homecoming celebration is generating a lot of excitement for students and faculty, but there is one Tiger in particular who is especially ready for this year’s celebration to begin. Demopolis High principal Dr. Isaac Espy will celebrate his first homecoming at the school’s helm.

Espy said he has heard a lot about how spirited Demopolis High School homecomings can be and is eager to see the day arrive.

“I am very excited,” Espy said. “When I first came here the first things I heard about were the pep rallies and homecoming. So far the pep rallies have lived up to their billing and I am sure homecoming will do the same. I expect it to be as good as they say.”

Naturally, the first priority for a homecoming celebration is to have alumni return to their old school. Espy said they hope many former Tigers will take advantage of the upcoming weeks festivities and participate in their fun-filled events.

“We certainly encourage alumni to take part in reunion activities and join us at the football game,” Espy said. “We also encourage them to visit the school. We certainly want our alumni to feel welcome here and be supportive of the school.”

Espy said during homecoming week the entire scope of school usually undergoes a change. However, he said the festive atmosphere is part of the memories students build during their high school days.

“During homecoming week the atmosphere changes a little and things can get crazy,” Espy said. “But that is just a healthy part of the high school experience. It is really something for the children to look back on and remember.”

The main homecoming events will begin Thursday, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. with a pep rally and bonfire on the campus of Demopolis High School. The 2005 Homecoming Queen will also be announced.

The celebration will continue Friday with a 1 p.m. parade through town and a pre-game ceremony at the stadium beginning at 6:30 p.m. The homecoming game with Jemison will kickoff at 7 p.m.