The halls of Morris High School are buzzing with anticipation as students, faculty and families prepare for a weeklong celebration of school spirit culminating in the 2025 Homecoming ceremony and football game. From pajama day to orange-out Friday, students are embracing the theme “Our Time Is Now!” with pride and all eyes are on this year’s Homecoming Queen candidates, each representing a sport or student organization that helps define the Eagle spirit.

— Meet the 2025 MHS Homecoming Queen Candidates

This year’s Homecoming Court features a diverse and accomplished group of senior girls who represent the strength, talent and character of the Morris Eagles student body:

• Shelby Washington & Steven Bender – Basketball

• Sutton Giddens & Keyton Tiger-Harjo – Track

• Jessa Nichols & Karter Heath – Cross Country

• Elizabeth Morgan & Joseph Wind – Archery

• Leah Ansley & Jaret West – Golf

• Daijah Ghoston & Shane Shockley – Softball

• Audrey Hunalp & Dayton Andrews – Baseball

• Paiton Thompson & Isaiah Taylor – Cheer

• Lydia Kerr & Eli Walker Football

• Nicole Gehring & Jaylen Brown – Band

• Hayleigh Frazier & Braden Sparks – Wrestling The Homecoming Parade will take place Thursday at 1:30 p.m, and the Homecoming Ceremony will begin at 6:20 p.m. Friday before the start of the game.

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Walter Frazier. I am a cheerleader, wrestler and a part of NHS here at Morris High School. I plan to go to college for health and exercise science and become an Occupational Therapist.

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Shelby Washington is the daughter of Ed and Sabrina Washington and sister of Dakota Washington. She is also the granddaughter of Danny and Debi hurt and the late Glenda Washington. She has attended Morris Public Schools since pre-k, and has played basketball since the 4th grade. She earned her CNA certification as a junior and is currently working towards her MA certification at Green Country with future plans to continue her nursing career after high school. In her spare time she likes to hangout with her best friend Naomi, and boyfriend Drake.

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My name is Lydia Kerr. I am the daughter of Barrett and Laura Kerr. I am the older sister of my brother, Abel Kerr. This is my first year playing football for Morris High School, even though I have been playing football since the 4th grade. Being a student at Morris has provided me with amazing experiences, and I’m excited to celebrate this milestone with my classmates and community.

I’m proud to play football being on the field has taught me the value of hard work, teamwork and pushing myself beyond limits. Outside of sports, I’m someone who loves quiet moments too. I enjoy getting lost in a good book, spending time with my family and friends, and listening to music (especially Hozier – his lyrics always hit home). One of my favorite lines is: “I will not ask you where you came from, I will not ask you, neither should you.” It reminds me that it’s all about who we are right now and the choices we make today.

When I’m not on the field or hanging out with someone, you might find me welding. It’s something unique that I really enjoy – being able to create something with my hands gives me a sense of accomplishment and focus. I am currently enrolled at Green Country Technology Center for welding, and I plan to pursue welding as a career after high school. My ultimate goal with welding is to either travel weld or work on offshore oil rigs.

I would like to thank my parents, brother, extended family, friends, teachers and coaches for everything they have done for me and what they continue to do for me. I am grateful for the opportunity that has been provided to me. Go Eagles!

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with my family, workout, and drive around in my car. I have a GPA of 4.1 and I plan on making that higher as the year goes on. I have been in the student council since my middle school days, and recently joined the NHS! I was in the Pride of Morris Marching Band for four years. Three of those I was in leadership, and the last two years I was the drum major. I have been on the track team for three years, and have been team captain for two years. I have been a part of the theater productions since I could join, and have been included in multiple successful plays. I joined the cheer team at the end of my Junior year, and it was the best decision of my life. Finally, if you have ever heard a crazy blonde girl yelling at a basketball game that would be me. With that, one of my favorite things about going to Morris is our student section!

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My name is Nicole Gehring, and I am the band queen for homecoming. I am the daughter of Jeff and Tina Gehring and the sister of Natalie and Amy Gehring. I have attended Morris Public Schools since Pre-K and am the secretary of the senior class. I have been a proud member of both the band and academic team for many years. As a member of the academic team, I have had the honor to claim two OSSAA state titles and the Very Small School title at the Small School National Championship Tournament in Chicago.

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Hi, my name is Jessa Nichols! I am the daughter of Therron and Gael Nichols and sister of Jacob, Kate, Will, and Naomi. I engage in many areas of my high school. I am the Vice President of our FFA Chapter, participate in some academic scholastics, and am a member of NHS. I have also run in track and cross country since freshman year, and occasionally attend powerlifting meets. Outside of school, I like to play guitar, crochet, and read. I attend FBC Okmulgee on the weekends and am on the worship team and help with the nursery. I like spending time with my niece and nephews, siblings, and my friends. After graduation, I plan to go to OSU Stillwater to major in Plant Biotechnology and Improvement. I also intend to go to medical school afterwards to be a surgeon.

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My name is Leah Ansley, I am the daughter of Earl and Amy Ansley and the granddaughter of Boyd and Shirley Cannon and Pete and Beverly Ansley. I have gone to state in golf for three years in a row now. I have also gone to Nationals for Land Judging. I am very involved in FFA and I’m the Secretary on the officer team. My plans for my future is to go to college at OSU to become an Interior Designer.

– Attendants include freshmen Elias Smith and Ava Bowen, sophomores Rowan Ramirez and Katie Russell and juniors Hagan Hodges and Talee Zackery. Annistyn Frazier will be Flower Girl and Cayden Walker will be Crown Bearer.

— Homecoming Week Activities (Sept. 8-12)

With the Homecoming Court in place, the Morris student body is celebrating the week with themed dressup days and spirited events:

• Monday – Theme: Pajamas & Messy Hair

• Tuesday – Theme: Decade Day (50s-90s)

• Wednesday – Theme: Brains vs. Brawns

• Thursday – Theme: “Take Me to the Country”

• Homecoming Parade 1:30 p.m.

• Friday – Theme: Orange-Out Day

• Homecoming Ceremony begins – 6:20 p.m.

• High School Football Game vs. Liberty (Home) – 7 p.m.