Wayne-Westland Community Schools students replace gender-specific titles at homecoming

This year, the two comprehensive high schools in Wayne-Westland Community Schools will not be announcing a homecoming king or queen. There is still a competition and crowns for the winners. Still, the two high schools decided to do away with the gender-specific titles and announce the victors as gender-neutral homecoming "royalty" instead, which can be students of any gender.

Last school year, Wayne Memorial High School brought the idea to change the homecoming gender-specific titles to the attention of their student council. The leadership students at John Glenn High School learned of the concept this summer. Both schools brought the information to their student body, their voices were heard, and there was a change in the conventional terminology. The change is also an effort to be more inclusive for those who do not conform to traditional gender identities and to ensure all students have the opportunity to feel included.

Students are voting for which of their peers will be selected for the two homecoming royalty positions. The royalty at John Glenn High School will be announced at the homecoming game during halftime on Friday, October 1, 2021. Members of the community are invited to the game and the parade. This year's parade along Marquette starts at Stottlemyer Early Childhood & Family Development Center (34801 Marquette, Westland 48185) to John Glenn High School (36105 Marquette, Westland 48185). The parade will begin at 6 p.m. The football game starts at 7 p.m., and there is a $5 admission fee to enter the Irma Kionka - Chuck Gordon Field.

On Friday, October 15, 2021, Wayne Memorial High School will announce its royalty during its homecoming game at halftime. This football game is also the annual Crosstown Rival and will start at 7 p.m. There is a $5 admission fee to enter the William Elliot Athletic Field. In addition, the community can support the school on the parade route, which kicks off at 5 p.m. on Fourth Street off of Ash Street, then proceed toward Glenwood Road and head east to the William Elliot Athletic Field.