RCHS student leader claims 2008 homecoming crown

By Steve Cannuli

Published: October 11, 2008

The football game may not have turned out the way Rockingham County High School would have liked, but that did not dampen the spirits of Amelia Hopkins, who was named 2008 Rockingham County High School homecoming queen on Friday night.

Despite the Cougars’ 1-5 record coming into Friday’s game, a large crowd gathered at Cougar Pride Stadium for a down-to-the-wire game, as well as the halftime homecoming festivities.

Hopkins was one of 12 girls nominated for queen, and in the end, it was she who was being congratulated by Rockingham County High School Principal Richie Weaver and 2007 homecoming queen Jasmine Stephens.

She was escorted onto the field by her father, Ted Hopkins.

First runner-up was Denise Grissom, who was escorted by her father, Dwight Grissom, and second runner-up was Hannah Livengood, escorted by her father, Tim Livengood.

Hopkins plans to attend UNC Chapel Hill or Elon University to major in political science and later attend law school. She is the student body vice president, a member of the

National Honor Society, president of Interact and runs cross country.

Grissom plans to attend Catawba College, where she will play volleyball and study elementary education. She is a member of the National Honor Society, the FCA and Future Teachers of America. Grissom is also a member of the varsity volleyball team.

Livengood plans to attend a four-year college following graduation. Livengood is a member of the varsity basketball and tennis teams and is a representative for the student council and the HOSA club.

The other nominees were: Ashley Fitzgerald, Ashleigh Gann, Lindsey Harrell, Kylie Keck, Jordan Loye, Chelsie Gray Pruitt, Molly Ray, Jean Stammetti and Macey Blake Wilson.

Rockingham County lost the football game, 20-19 to Bartlett Yancey High School.

• Sports editor Steve Cannuli can be reached at or 349-4331, ext. 28.