Band drum major chosen as Homecoming queen
November 6, 2017
Seven female students were nominated as this year’s Homecoming princesses: sophomore Natalia Reyes, junior Kelsey West, and seniors Brooklyn Adams, Camille Danner, April Hernandez, Riley O’Bryan, and Jasmine Rivera. The student body voted weeks before Homecoming week to select the representatives from each grade. Senior April Hernandez was chosen as this year’s Homecoming queen.
The princesses and queen were crowned at the annual Homecoming football game, which took place Oct. 19. They were also recognized at the Homecoming dance on Oct. 22.
SOPHOMORE PRINCESS NATALIA REYES
Sophomore Natalia Reyes, known for being an anchor on Monarch Television’s morning announcements, was nominated as sophomore princess.
“When I found out I had been voted into Homecoming court I was extremely excited but at the same time shocked and overwhelmed,” Reyes said. “I didn’t think I would have the opportunity to be on the Homecoming court but it was definitely a great feeling.”
Reyes is also involved in ASB, Campus Ministry, Colorguard, Hand in Hand Club, and Red Cross Club. Outside of school, Reyes participates in the ministry and youth group at her local church.
“…I am able to help others through these activities, and I have made new friends and family throughout these as well as bringing me closer to God,” Reyes said.
JUNIOR PRINCESS KELSEY WEST
Junior princess Kelsey West hopes she has been able to share laughter and kindness with the student body.
“…my favorite thing about it is the idea that I have made enough of a positive impact on people’s lives that when presented [with] three spaces for the names on the ballot, my name popped up into their minds,” she said. “It just makes me feel happy to know that maybe I’ve made other people happy.”
She is involved in the swim team, theatre, choir, National Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation. Outside of school, West participates in Lion’s Heart, which is a community service center for teen volunteers and in the OC Riptide Aquatic Club.
“I have had so much fun learning new things, going outside of my comfort zone, and performing alongside [choir and theatre],” she said.
West said she was surprised to found out that she was nominated into Homecoming court. The court was announced during the Fall Sports Rally on Sept 1. when junior Peyton Smith announced the nominees for this year’s Homecoming Court.
“My friend Caleigh Donnelly quickly leaned over and gave me a big hug, and was trying to pull me up from my seat because I wasn’t really moving,” West said.
QUEEN APRIL HERNANDEZ
Often seen conducting the band during football games and rallies, senior April Hernandez was named this year’s Homecoming queen.
“I was in a lot of disbelief,” Hernandez said. “I didn’t expect it at all.”
Hernandez is the drum major for the school marching band and a student aide for Religious Studies. Hernandez also enjoys helping children with special needs outside of school.
Hernandez’s favorite part about being nominated into the Homecoming Court was being able to take the father-daughter pictures and having her dad with her every step of the way.
“It felt as if I were on top of the clouds and I couldn’t come down,” Hernandez said. “It was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life and I’m never going to forget it.”
