By Olivia Palmer and Afia Amoakohene
SANFORD — Homecoming week is in full swing, but did you know that each year the Sanford Student Council dedicates it to a staff member? Meet this year’s Grand Marshall Kevin Way.
The staff member selected as the Grand Marshall changes each year. Last year, the dedication was given to history teacher Erin Murphy-Putnam, who at the time was an advisor for the class of 2025. This year, however, the Student Council chooses to highlight Way!
Mr. Way, or “K-Way” as some students call him, is a teacher who can usually be found in his office, or in the gym; he teaches health and physical education. Many students enjoy his classes not only for his engaging teaching style, but his easy-going personality. And much like a majority of the staff members, Way finds much delight in the Homecoming season.
Way shared that what he likes most is “the number of students at the school that participate…it’s nice to see that kind of energy in the halls all week.”
As Grand Marshall, K-Way will participate in several Homecoming events. He will ride in the car during the parade and take part in the procession at halftime during the football game. He sees the role as another opportunity to participate in and celebrate school spirit.
On the different spirit days, Kevin Way is most looking forward to Red and White Day, which he considers a Homecoming classic. He also plans to participate in as many spirit days as possible. He enjoys Twin Day and hopes to see it return in the future, and he is looking forward to taking part in this year’s activities.
Mr. Way said he was unsure why he was selected as Grand Marshall, but he believes his connection with students may have played a role. Noting he enjoys working with students of all different backgrounds he hopes that attitude comes through in his teaching.
Beyond the individual events, Mr. Way enjoys the overall atmosphere of Homecoming season. He mentions how much he loves the fall, and he appreciates the way the students rally around the school during this time. He also likes how Homecoming gives different classes the opportunity to connect and be more excited about school.
With his new role as Grand Marshall, Mr. Way will have the chance to experience that school spirit he looks forward to alongside the students throughout the week and help make this year’s Homecoming memorable!
