In a week filled with school spirit, cheers, and celebration, seniors Kian O’Shea and Lily Meek were crowned this year’s homecoming king and queen under the Friday night lights—a moment neither of them expected but will always remember.
“I was actually in shock, and I stood there and screamed really loudly. It was so fun to win with Kian,” Meek said.
Much like Meek, O’Shea was caught off guard when they heard their name announced—first as a candidate, and eventually as homecoming king.
“I didn’t really expect to get on [homecoming court]. I posted on my private story ‘Vote for me as homecoming king’ with a funny filter as a joke, but I got on court,” O’Shea said.
While the crowns were a highlight of the evening, both students emphasized that the experience was more about connection than
recognition. Events like homecoming bring the senior class together, building memories that go far beyond a football game or a halftime announcement.
Meek, an active member of the band and orchestra, credited their fellow art classmates for being a key part of their support system and the ultimate reason behind their win.
“[This win] shows how close the arts departments, like the band and orchestra, really are, and it just reminds me that I have their support,” Meek said.
As tradition goes, last year’s homecoming king and queen typically return to crown the new winners. Although O’Shea is unsure if they will be able to make it back next fall, Meek is already looking forward to attending next year’s football game.
“I’m hyped to come back, and I can watch the band show next year and cheer them on. It’ll be fun,” Meek said.
Though the school year has just only begun, O’Shea realizes that one day these moments will become memories; therefore, they want to live in the present moment. Reflecting on the experience, O’Shea shared how it has added something special to his final year of high school.
“It’s definitely made [my senior year] more memorable. I’m really big on everyone having to go to school, so might as well have fun with it,” O’Shea said.
