WS Chronicle

Homecomings are not strictly reserved for high schools and colleges.  The Winston-Salem Indians football and cheerleading association celebrated their homecoming on Saturday, Sept. 9.

The Indians were joined by Winston-Salem State University’s (WSSU) Red Sea of Sound marching band along with the Winston-Salem High Steppers.  The event also included a variety of food options for the parents and community to enjoy.  The crowd was able to enjoy watching eight games that afternoon.

The Indians program has been around for 60 years and play in the American Youth Football League.  They are part of the Piedmont Youth Football and Cheerleading Association.  Each year during their homecoming, they select a homecoming king and queen as well as a runner-up for both positions.

This year’s winners were Joel Hayes and KeAisja Marshall for king and queen.  The runner-ups were Quenton Stone and Nadia Cameron.  The winners and runner-ups were selected by whoever raised the most money during a fundraiser the team held.President of the Indians organization, Sandra Green, says the children were in “awe” when the WSSU band took to the field.  She thought this was one of the best homecomings they have ever had.

“Everyone just cooked out and fellowshipped and we had a great time,” said Green.  “Winston-Salem State actually did a community service for us and came out to play.  The kids eyes just lit up to see the band, and I thank them very much for coming.”

Green has been with the Indians organization for the past 26 years.  She started out having her son play with the team and she has been involved every since.

“Just to see the happiness and joy that comes out of their faces gives me the most pleasure,” Green said.

According to Green the organization is not only concerned with teaching the children on the field; they are active with the kids in the classroom as well.

“We are involved in the little scholars program, so each child must maintian a C average or above in school to participate,” she went on to say.  “They must submit report cards and progress reports in order to play.  We also have a tutoring program for those young people who may slip under the mark.”

Green wanted to give a special thank you to the WSSU band, the W-S High Steppers and the community for coming out and celebrating the Indians homecoming.