Lakya Norelle Rice said she will do her best to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of her position as Claflin University's Miss Homecoming 2009-2010.

Her title will become official during the Crowning Ceremony at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, in Moss Auditorium on the campus of Claflin. Rice's coronation kicks off the series of Homecoming Week events that celebrate 140 years of access and success at the school.

Rice's platform is "Achieving the Unthinkable While Striving for Excellence." Rice said Claflin students must recognize and embrace the fact that they are Claflinites who demonstrate the "Claflin Confidence."

"With that, it would only be natural to 'Achieve the Unthinkable While Striving for Excellence,'" she said.

Rice, of Duncan, is a senior biology major and currently serves as an executive board member of the Pre-Alumni Council and the Student Government Association. She is the middle daughter of Ronnie and Raye Rice, and has two siblings, an older sister and younger brother.

Rice said if she could ask former Homecoming queens one question, it would be "for more insight on how to prepare myself for the festivities. I want to know how they handled balancing academics and planning events for the week of Homecoming."

She said her advice to future Homecoming queens is to "stay organized, and don't spread yourself to thin."

Following the coronation ceremony, a Gospel Explosion will be held at 8 p.m. Sunday in Moss Auditorium. And at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, Rice will host "Panther Palooza: Evening Mixer with Miss Homecoming" in the Orange and Maroon Room.

Other Homecoming Week events include:

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Monday, Nov. 16

7 p.m. -- Residence Hall Step Show, Tullis Arena

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Tuesday, Nov. 17

6 p.m. -- Greek Stroll Off, Panther Plaza

7 p.m. -- "Taking Control of the Runway," Moss Auditorium

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Wednesday, Nov. 18

7 p.m. -- Battle of the DJ's Party Extravaganza, Tullis Arena

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Thursday, Nov. 19

11 a.m. -- Claflin University Golf Classic, Cobblestone Park Golf Course, Blythewood

7 p.m. -- Alumni Arts Exhibit Reception, Arthur Rose Museum

8 p.m. -- "Black Coffee One Cream" comedy show hosted by Steve Brown, Moss Auditorium

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Friday, Nov. 20

5 p.m. -- Alumni Networking Mixer, The Garden Room, Orangeburg Mall

7 p.m. -- 16th annual Presidential Scholarship Gala featuring "American Idol" Fantasia, Tullis Arena

7 p.m. -- Panther Idol/Karaoke Show, Moss Auditorium

9 p.m.-3 a.m. -- Young Alumni Social, The Garden Room, Orangeburg Mall

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Saturday, Nov. 21

9:30 a.m. -- Homecoming Parade, downtown Orangeburg

Noon-5 p.m. -- Panther Den, Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center grounds

1 p.m. -- Claflin University vs. Paine College, Tullis Arena

8 p.m. -- Greek Step Show, Tullis Arena

10 p.m.-2 a.m. -- Orange and Maroon Dance, The Garden Room, Orangeburg Mall

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Sunday, Nov. 22

8:30 a.m. -- Alumni Breakfast, Ministers' Hall

4 p.m. -- Founders' Day Convocation, Tullis Arena

For more information about Claflin University and its Homecoming, visit claflin.edu.

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