Laurens – The Raider Family and the Laurens community members gathered last night, September 14, 2026, at the Laurens Square for the annual Laurens District 55 High School (LDHS) Homecoming Parade. The “Raiders Got Game!” theme was evident in this year’s entries and seemed to be enjoyed by everyone.
Weston Coggins, LDHS senior and Student Council Student Body President, shared that the collaborative planning with their advisers paid off. He said, “There’s so much joy in seeing a sense of pride among participants and spectators. I think the parade really helps unite different groups of people in Laurens. I’m so thankful to the community for coming out, and to our Student Council advisers and administrators for supporting us in putting this event together.”
Likewise, Student Council Adviser Brooke Yarbrough is appreciative of the community and students. “This event is proudly sponsored by our Student Council. Our students have been working on their floats since this summer, and our class representatives have worked incredibly hard to help make this event happen. They take great pride in their work and are excited to see all of their time, effort, and creativity come together for this special event. I am glad to see our community come out and appreciate the work of our students.”
Judges who had the tough task of selecting the best float were Laurens County School District 55 Human Resources Director Renee Madden, Jennifer Darling, and Hickory Tavern School Teacher Katie Waldrop. Judges were assisted by Leigh Ann Simpson, a former LCSD 55 employee.
The parade featured athletic teams, students, Homecoming representatives, and Misss Make a Difference Contestants. Homecoming Court seniors are Ellie Jones (Ny’Keri Shumpert), Marley Benson (Logan Martin), Kaiyden Coleman (Zee Simpson), Sara Beth Field (Jace Campbell), Layla Irby (Anthony Cunningham), Mary Frances Kennedy, Rebecca Morales (Desmond Williams), Summer Nations (Brayden Patterson), Jaycee Roberts (RJ Brewster), and Denajja Williams (Nasir Sanders). Homecoming Court juniors are Alexandria Marion (Diego Angeles), Peyton George, Aleigha Johnson, Keymyja Latimore, Emma Welch, Sully Simmons, Isabella Moore, and Harmonie Graham. Homecoming Court sophomores are Harper Robinson, De’ziah Hill, Madelyn Spires, Madison Fowler, Sophie Hughes, Braelyn Snow, Ava Davidson, and Maddi Lawson. Homecoming Court freshmen are Kirby Martin, Graycen Coggins, Peyton Elders, Brantley Brown, Spirit Smith, Kaliah Floyd, Ariana Camacho, and Zealy Martin.
Contestants in the Miss Make a Difference shared their excitement. Peyton Elders shared, “I feel so honored to have been chosen as one of the girls to represent the freshman class at LDHS! It really means a lot to me to help out an important organization in our community, like the Laurens County Memorial Home. Through my church, I've had the chance to spend time with the residents, listen to God’s word, and share some love with them. I know that the money we raise for Miss Make a Difference will go towards things that the residents and the organization really need. I’m super grateful for this opportunity to make a positive impact in our community alongside these amazing girls on the homecoming court!”
Harper Robinson said, “I’m honored to be a part of the Homecoming Court and especially grateful to have been nominated by my classmates and teachers. I’m also excited about participating in Miss Make a Difference because it’s not really about winning; it’s about giving back to our community and supporting a great cause.”
Marley Benson echoed, “I’m so excited to be a part of senior homecoming court this year! It’s a great chance to represent your class, have fun with a great group of girls, and raise money for a good cause! The Memorial Home is always in need of help, and it’s an honor to be able to contribute this year. If you haven’t already donated, it’s not too late. Donations can be given to any girl on court!”
The announcement of the float class winner and Miss Make a Difference will be on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 2:30 PM, at the LDHS Homecoming Pep Rally. The Homecoming Court and crowning ceremony will be during the Homecoming Football Game halftime on Friday night, September 18, 2026, at the KC Hanna Stadium. The game starts at 7:30 PM. The Raiders take on Blythewood High School. Students, staff, families, and nd community members are requested to come out and support our athletes and witness who will be crowned Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Homecoming Princesses, and Homecoming Queen. Purchase your ticket at bit.ly/2026Homecoming.
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Note: Names in parentheses in paragraph 5 are the Senior Raider Football athletes represented by the Miss Make a Difference Contestants.
