By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Wauseon High School celebrated this year’s Homecoming this past weekend. Celebrations took place right before the Delta at Wauseon football matchup on Friday, October 4th.
Members of this year’s homecoming court took to the field shortly after 6:30 p.m. A float was presented before each of the members were introduced.
First up were freshman representatives Zaeli Badenhop and Dylan Burkholder. Zaeli is the daughter of Jared and Cortney Badenhop. She looks forward to participating in basketball and track this year.
Zaeli enjoys doing nail art, running, listening to music, anything and everything involving Caitlin Clark. She also loves making memories with her friends and family.
She says, “I feel very honored to have been chosen to represent the class of 2028. I am thankful for the support from my peers and for the warm welcomes from the sophomore, junior and senior classes.”
Zaeli’s escort was Dylan Burkholder. Dylan is the son of Jared and Mandy Burkholder. Dylan is a member of the football, basketball, and track teams. In his free time, he enjoys playing football with his friends as well as spending time with them. He also likes watching NFL and college football.
Dylan says, “It is pretty cool to be voted for as an escort. I didn’t even know what it was, at first.”
Next came the sophomore class representatives Laynee Sanford and Tyler Rodriguez. Laynee is the daughter of Jerrica Sanford and Ryan Sanford.
She enjoys shopping, sports, and hanging out with friends and family. Laynee is a member of the volleyball and basketball teams.
She says, “I am grateful for my friends and family; they have been a source of strength throughout my life.” Laynee’s escort was Tyler Rodriguez.
Tyler is the son of Joe and Laura Rodriguez. He is a member of the Football and Basketball teams. In his free time, Tyler enjoys playing video games and working out. When asked for a quote to share, Tyler responded, “Be quiet and work harder.”
Representing the junior class on the homecoming court this year were Alisha Monserrat and Jayden Morales. Alisha is the daughter of Maria Morales.
She is a member of the Speech & Debate, Marching and Concert Bands, and is active in Theater. Alisha enjoys listening to music and going on nature walks.
Alisha states, “I am so excited to be chosen to be the Junior Attendant. It was a huge surprise, but it is also a huge honor!”
Her escort was Jayden Morales. Jayden is the son of Joel and Ana Morales. He is part of the Marching Band. He enjoys listening to music and playing soccer.
With respect to how he feels about being a member of the Homecoming Court, Jayden says, “It is exciting to be voted for by my peers.”
The senior representatives on this year’s homecoming court were Kendyl Moore and Ben Tule. Kendyl is the daughter of Shawn and Hillary Moore.
Kendyl’s school activities include Volleyball and Track. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and volunteering at the Fulton County Humane Society. Kendyl feels so honored to represent the Senior class.
Ben is the son of Nick Tule and Hayley & Justin Baldwin. He is involved in Football, Wrestling, the National Honor Society, and Student Council. In his free time, Ben enjoys playing sports, spending time with his girlfriend, and playing video games.
Ben offered these words of wisdom, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
It was then time to introduce this year’s Homecoming King and Queen, Mackenzie Stasa and Antonio (Chano) Torres.
Mackenzie is the daughter of Brandy and Eric Suarez. Mackenzie is involved in Basketball, the National Honor Society, and Spanish Club. In her free time, Mackenzie enjoys playing Basketball, weightlifting, and baking with her boyfriend.
Mackenzie states, “I am beyond thankful for all of my classmates who gave me this opportunity to be King and Queen with my boyfriend. It is a dream come true and a day I have been looking forward to for a long time. Words cannot describe how happy I am to be a part of this year’s Homecoming court.”
The Homecoming King is Chano Torres, son of Jose and Lisa Torres. Throughout high school, Chano has been involved in Spanish Club and Wrestling.
He enjoys training in Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, as well as hanging out with friends and watching College football. Chano stated, “Being chosen as King is an honor, and I am thankful to all of my classmates who voted for my girlfriend and me.”
Finally, last year’s Homecoming King and Queen were introduced, along with this year’s Prince and Princess. Last year’s Homecoming Queen was Kasalyn Powers, daughter of Luke and Jamie Powers.
Kasalyn is attending Bowling Green State University, majoring in early childhood education. Kasalyn would like to congratulate this year’s King, Queen, and homecoming court.
Kasalyn was escorted by Tyson Rodriguez. He is attending the University of Toledo, majoring in business management, and is playing football.
Kaslyn was accompanied by this year’s prince and princess, Abigail Borton and Nolan Snyder, who were chosen by the Homecoming Court.
Abigail’s parents are Kyle and Shelly Borton. She is in Mrs. Brown’s Kindergarten class and likes to go shopping for new dresses with her mom and grandma, as well as play in the sand pit with her brothers.
Nolan’s parents are Dan and MeaChele Snyder. He is in Mrs. Kuhlman’s Kindergarten class.
Nolan likes to play football, spend time with family, and go to the fair. He also likes to color and play Candyland.
At that time, this year’s Homecoming Queen had the tiara placed on her head by the previous year’s Queen and the game ball was given to this year’s King.
