'ICONIC' LIONS PLAN FOR HOMECOMING NEXT WEEK

    The school year has just begun, but the Langford Area Lions are already diving into the excitement of Homecoming Week, which kicks off Monday with the theme “Lions are Iconic—famous icons and figures throughout history.” Lions have long symbolized bravery, leadership, and pride, and the theme encourages the community to carry those qualities into the celebration.
    The school announced its 2025 Homecoming Royalty candidates last week. King candidates are Tucker Jo Hardy, son of Chad and JaKelle Hardy; Julian Rodriguez, son of Adam and Candice Nelson; Kassen Keough, son of Joe and Amy Keough; and Conner Glines, son of J.J. and Mindy Glines. 
    Queen candidates are Mariah Tosse, daughter of Shawn and April Tosse; Grace Hatfield, daughter of Jeremy and Nellie Hatfield; Paytyn Marlow, daughter of Travis and Gina Marlow; and Jordyn Nickeson-Brennan, daughter of Kendra and Ryan Opitz and Andy Nickeson.
    Coronation will be held Monday at 5 p.m. in the school gym, followed by a community cookout hosted by the Langford Area School Board. There will be no school on Monday.  
    Homecoming activities continue Tuesday with a home volleyball match against Leola-Frederick, followed by the traditional burning of the “LA.” The volleyball team will then travel to Northwestern on Thursday. Friday’s events include the Homecoming Parade at 1:30 p.m. in downtown Langford. A bake sale and meal will be hosted before the parade starting at 10 a.m. at the Langford Evangelical Church at 108 Walnut Street.
    Friday is capped off that evening with the Homecoming football game in Groton against Winner, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. The volleyball team will also be in action Saturday, Sept. 6, at the Estelline tournament.
    Junior high athletes will also join the festivities, with the JH football team playing Groton next Tuesday (Sept. 2) at 4 p.m. against Ellendale, and the JH volleyball squad competing Saturday, Sept. 6, in a tournament at Northwestern.
    Adding to the fun will be Spirit Week dress-up days: Pajama Day on Tuesday, Adam Sandler Day on Wednesday, Meme Day on Thursday, and School Colors Day on Friday. A pep fest will also be held each morning at 8:35 a.m. for all grades to rally school spirit.