The annual Homecoming Lip Sync Competition drew excited crowds to the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday evening. Hosted by the Resident Hall Association (RHA), the event is a long-standing homecoming tradition, bringing together various campus organizations to celebrate school spirit and campus life.
Kathrine Ayscue, a junior nursing major and RHA vice president, highlighted the event's purpose as a safe and entertaining venue for everyone involved. She noted that performers and audience members are "just here for fun" and can enjoy the show without the pressure of strict judgment, fostering a strong sense of community during homecoming. This competition has been a cherished annual event, led by RHA, for over two decades.
Competitors, representing Greek organizations, departmental groups, and campus clubs, were challenged to perform familiar songs while weaving in App State pride and culture, aligning with the homecoming theme. Performances were assessed based on originality, cohesiveness, theming, and overall energy.
The competition kicked off with a satirical performance by Sigma Kappa and Kappa Alpha Order, which ultimately earned them first place in the Fraternity and Sorority Life category. Their act humorously targeted other UNC System schools, starting with a playful jab at UNCW set to "Cake by the Ocean" with beach attire, then moving through East Carolina University, UNC-Chapel Hill, and UNC-Charlotte, before culminating in a celebration of App State with the song "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough."
In the same category, Kappa Delta and Phi Sigma Kappa secured second place with a throwback performance that illustrated App State through various decades. Zeta Tau Alpha and Phi Delta Zeta claimed third place, performing Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" as part of a skit that saw Yosef being broken out of jail. Other Greek performances celebrated App State culture with classic tunes such as "Mountain Music" by Alabama, "Black and Yellow" by Wiz Khalifa, and selections from Dolly Parton.
Non-Greek organizations also delivered impressive performances. The Appalachian Educators won first place in the campus clubs category with an act that featured cardboard school buses. The Student Government Association (SGA) tied App State bandanas together in a performance that earned them a win in the departmental organizations category.
The audience maintained an electric energy throughout the evening, enthusiastically cheering on their fellow students. Maddie Moore, a freshman kinesiology major who attended to support a friend, described the atmosphere as "super loud and energetic," and expressed how happy it made her to witness the palpable school pride. Behind the scenes, Mariyana Russell, a senior criminal justice major and performer with SGA, found the practice and backstage experience profoundly gratifying. She described the dressing room setup as "cute," complete with big mirrors and spotlights, and emphasized the satisfaction of finally perfecting a routine after multiple initial errors.
The event also stood out for its collaborative spirit, bringing together different segments of the campus community. Benjamin Brakeman, a sophomore nursing major and performer with Alpha Epsilon Phi, highlighted the valuable opportunity to connect with his fraternity brothers, their competition partners Alpha Delta Gamma, and the broader campus scene. He noted it was a "great time to get to know others."
The competition concluded after a special performance by the App State Dance Team, marking another successful year for this cherished homecoming tradition.