Sarah Grace Meyn

The University of Southern Mississippi recently celebrated its homecoming, themed “We Built this City on Black and Gold,” with a week full of student games and competitions.
Student organizations from campus were divided into eight different teams to compete in the homecoming competitions. Teams competed in daily social media challenges, a dance competition, trivia, karaoke, a fountain sit, float decorating, pomping, and more.
Emma Garner, the Director of Programming for SGA, helped to coordinate homecoming week. In her position she was able to work with staff and student leaders to create and organize the events that took place.
“I love this university and all the history rich events it holds,” Garner said. “So, I knew I wanted to help bring these events to life for our students and the Hattiesburg community.”
Teams gathered at the kickoff pep rally on Monday to start the week off with their teams in a spirit and chant competition.
Tuesday consisted of social media challenges and the annual Bring it On Eagle Style dance competition. Teams came together to create a routine to show off to a panel of judges.
More challenges took place on Wednesday as well as a trivia night where teams were quizzed on a variety of questions.
On Thursday, along with challenges, students participated in karaoke night. Each team was allowed to enter six contestants into the competition to receive a place of first, second or third.
Friday morning participants set up their pomping lawn displays at the front of campus. That afternoon consisted of the annual fountain sit competition. Two contestants from each team entered the competition to answer questions about the history of the university. After some chlorine level issues in the Shoemaker Square fountain, the competition was moved into the Payne Center natatorium.
Participants competed in challenges and were asked a variety of questions about the university. Lily Collins was the winner of the competition.
The parade and float judging took place Saturday afternoon before the homecoming football game. Participants rode in their decorated floats through Hardy Street to show off their work to the judges.
“I love seeing every part of that day; the parade, seeing the floats and pomping designs each team has put countless hours into,” Garner said. “Of course, the football game with our special halftime performance.”
The winners of the week were announced in the fourth quarter of the football game. Team six, consisting of Kappa Delta sorority, Delta Tau Delta, and Men of Excellence were announced as the winners of the 2024 USM Homecoming week.
“During Homecoming we are all reminded of Southern Miss’s deep history and get to create lasting relationships with other peers and staff,” Garner said.