Homecoming!

Ahhhhh..... the nostalgia. I think its because I've spent a lot of time at the high school this week, photographing the dance team; and this morning, a group photo of all the green and white clad seniors. I have a long history with good ole T.F. Riggs.

My grandfather, James Linn, went to Riggs in the 40's. He was the center for the Governor football team. There is a picture of him in his football uniform on the side of the pressbox at the Pierre football field. It was sponsored by my dad and Linn Medical Clinic. My dad lost his father to cancer when he was 10 years old.

My dad, Bernie, went to Riggs in the 70's. He graduated in 1975. He was the student body vice president. For homecoming his senior year, his friends and he made green football t-shirts to wear. His said: "Linn" on the back. And in honor of green and white day: I'm wearing this shirt right now.

My husband, Adam, graduated from Riggs in 1998. He played on the very first ever, Pierrecussion drumline. His friends and he had an old school bus for their Govmobile.

My sister, Sarah, graduated from Riggs in 2005. Now she teaches there.

Homecoming during my senior year at Riggs had a different feeling for the class of 2002. On Tuesday, Septemeber 11th, 2001 (pajama day) the World Trade Centers fell in New York City. I found out during 2nd period English. I was wearing pink and white striped pajamas and my hair was in pigtails. The town held a candlelight vigil at the Homecoming game on Friday night. The Governors had just lost the game; but they walked onto the field with their opposing team, lit candles in all of their hands. The whole stadium was lit. I had a good view. I was in the pressbox. Many different people read prayers to the crowd and to the rest of the town listening on their radios. As the head cheerleader for the football squad, I read the last prayer of the night: for the bereaved. It was one of the most moving experiences of my life.

My daughter is 1 year old right now. Its hard to picture her being in high school. But she will graduate from Riggs in 2028. And hopefully, she will choose to have her children graduate from Riggs as well.

I got spirit, yes I do. I got spirit. How 'bout you?