The sentiment among almost anyone you asked was universal: There was no way to get this one wrong.
Brian Amaya, Grant Eklund, Nic Fellom, Brandon Juarez and Adan Medina were the five possibilities to reign as king, with Amani Al-Rashid, Brooke Huntington, Chelsea Krueger Emma Olejniczak and McKinley Thompson all candidates for queen.
The extremely popular Homecoming Court waited nervously under the spotlight in a darkened Perry Senior High gym Thursday as 2015 Queen Desi Hartz walked behind the candidates, the king’s crown in hand. As per tradition, she stopped behind each possible choice as the crowd cheered, eventually placing the crown on Nic Fellom’s head.
With 2015 King Kade VanKirk unable to attend, Hartz had both crowning duties, and the always-anticipated naming of the queen brought raucous cheers with each young lady she approached from behind. After what doubtless seemed an eternity to the court, Brooke Huntington was crowned with the Queen’s tiara and presented a large bouquet of roses.
The coronation ceremony has the highlight of an energetic pep rally that included music from the Blue Brigade, a performance from the color guard, a dance number from Perry Pulse, routines from the cheerleaders and a tropical-themed fashion show featuring the senior football players.
Football head coach Jason Olejncizak addressed the assembly before the coronation. Among his remarks was the issuing of a thank you to all those involved for what he called “a very successful and fun” Homecoming parade held Wednesday.
After an opportunity for photos of the court and their king and queen, the festivities moved to the Perry Athletic Complex, where a bonfire was held. The Blue Brigade provided music and the cheerleaders led the crowd in several cheers as the huge blaze burned brightly, under the watchful eyes of the Perry Volunteer Fire Department.
Perry will play Gilbert tonight at Dewey Field. The Spirit Stick — given to the class who has accumulated the most Spirit Points for various activities during the week — will be awarded at halftime and paraded around the track. The current senior class is seeking to three-peat, as the won the honor as both sophomores and juniors. The Homecoming Dance will follow the game.
