Updated on September 12, 2025 11:52

Cheers erupted from the stands of the Berry Bowl as the top five Homecoming King and Queen candidates were announced a few hours ago.  At 7 p.m. today, all the candidates paraded around the high school while representing their clubs before returning to the Berry Bowl.

All the candidates were announced as they walked the gymnasium floors, and they lined up and waited in anticipation. 

The top five queen candidates, announced in alphabetical order, were seniors Audrey Graham, Nathalia Hernandez, Golda “Goldie” Kitchell, Marilyn Macias-Esparza and Rylee Zimmerman. The King candidates are seniors Diego Gutierrez, Logan Lange, Mateo Lopez, Radhe Patel and Miguel Zarate.

Some candidates expressed their confidence after being voted top 5.

“Honestly, I was pretty confident and was pretty supportive along the way,” Macias-Esparza said.  “I can only hope whoever my classmates choose as their Homecoming Queen is the right choice.”

Other candidates did not share the same confidence as Macias-Esparza.

“Not confident at all,” Zarate said. “This was more of a surprise than anything. I feel ecstatic and surprised right now.”

Magpie Editor-in-Chief Kitchell shared what emotions she felt at the moment her name was announced.

“I was very shocked at first, especially since I was the first name called on the list,” Kitchell said. “I’m so grateful to be a part of such a great group of girls and wish the best for all of them. I’ll be excited with whoever gets the crown Friday night.”

On Friday night, the 2025-2026 Homecoming King and Queen will be announced and crowned at the football game during halftime. The kickoff is at 7 p.m., and the student section theme is Berry pride.

Voting started on September 12 at 7 a. m.