By: Jacob Kessler
The Swanton High School held its 2023 Homecoming Celebration this past week on Friday, October 13th. The event began at 6:30 p.m. with each member of the Homecoming Court coming out onto the field for recognition. The Homecoming Court members were as follows.
The freshman attendants were Landon Bolyard and Madilynn Stevenson. Landon participates in Soccer and Basketball and was escorted by Joe and Lori Bolyard. Maddilynn participates in Soccer, Basketball and Track and was escorted by Jim Stevenson and Cheryl Stevenson.
The sophomore attendants were Hudson Pancoast and Lauren Bettinger. Hudson participates in Football Wrestling and Track.
He also loves to play golf in his spare time and does watersports at his cottage in the summer. He is also taking CCP courses this year. Hudson was escorted by Adam and Leigh Pancoast. Lauren participates in Soccer, Basketball, and Track, and was escorted by Kristi Bettinger.
The junior attendants were Evan Smigeleski, Lillyanna Valderas, David Barlett, and Isabella Bonifas. Evan participates in Football, Wrestling, Baseball, and Leadership. Evan was escorted by Jeremy and Kelli Smigeleski.
Lillyanna participates in Volleyball, Show Choir, NHS, and Prom Committee. Lillyanna was escorted by Jennifer Chapman, Jamie Valderas, and Andrew Moll.
David participates in Basketball, Baseball, and Fishing. David was escorted by David Bartlett. Isabella participates in Volleyball and Show Choir. Isabella was escorted by Sarah Hall, Lonnie Hall, and Dennis Bonifas.
The senior attendants were Luke Arnold, Samantha Nelson, Kaden Nofzinger, Olivia Gowing, Brady Arnold, Sydney Ruiz, Brennon Mersing, and Kyleigh Shinaver. Luke participates in Football, Indoor Track, Track and Field, 4–H, Boys Scouts of America, and the National Honor Society.
His future plans are to attend the University of Michigan and earn an Aerospace Engineering Degree. Luke was escorted by Carrie and Jacob Arnold.
Samantha participates in the National Honor Society, Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, SEED, Prom Committee, Frosh Fest, and the Swanton Area Community Coalition. Her future plans are to attend Bowling Green State University and major in Criminal Justice and become a Probation Officer. Samantha was escorted by Dennis and Stacy Nelson.
Kaden Nofzinger participates in Basketball, Show Choir, Church Youth Group, and Boxing. His future plans are to attend the University of Toledo and earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Kaden was escorted by Monica Nofzinger.
Olivia participates in Volleyball, Basketball, Indoor Track, Softball, SEED, Prom Committee, Student Council, Frosh Fest, and the National Honor Society.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Toledo and major in nursing where she plans to specialize in labor and delivery. Olivia was escorted by Torrey Diller and James Gowing.
Brady Arnold participates in Football, Track and Field, the National Honor Society, 4-H, and Boys Scouts of America.
His future plans are to attend The Ohio State University and major in business. Brady was escorted by Carrie and Jacob Arnold.
Sydney Ruiz participates as the President of the National Honor Society and Student Council, in Youth Leadership, Buckeye Girls State Rep Secretary of Interact and Show Choir, YIPPE, Local Fulton County Political parties, volunteers with the Boys and Girls Club of America, Habitat for Humanity, and soup kitchen in Toledo.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Chicago and pursue either a degree in business or become an Immigration Lawyer. Sydney was escorted by Manuel and Beatriz Ruiz.
Brennon participates in Football, Basketball, Baseball, National Honor Society, Show Choir, Frosh Fest, and Prom Court. His future plans are to pursue a career in excavation. Brennon was escorted by Courtney Mersing and Michael Mersing.

Kyleigh participates in Soccer, Basketball, Softball, the National Honor Society, SEED, and Prom court. Her future plans are to become a Radiation Therapist and her dream is to open a dog shelter. Kyleigh was escorted by Kristy and Rob Shinaver.
This year’s Homecoming King and Queen was then announced as Jonah Rico and Peighton Manning. Jonah participates in Football Basketball, Track and Field, Leadership, and Yearbook.
His future plans are to get his Barber License and work at the family business. Jonah was escorted by Sabrina Rico and Daniel Lozano.
Peighton participates in Volleyball, Basketball, Track, Leadership, Yearbook and SEED. Her future plans are to attend the University of Toledo and Study Civil Engineering. Peighton was escorted by Roy and Amie Manning.
Jacob can be reached at jacob@thevillagereporter.com