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 7:00 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 Audrey Graham, Nathalia Hernandez, Golda “Goldie” Kitchell, Marilyn Macias-Esparza and Rylee Zimmerman. The King candidates are Diego Gutierrez, Logan Lange, Mateo Lopez, Radhe Patel and Miguel Zarate.

Some candidates expressed their confidence in being voted top 5.

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

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

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

Magpie Editor-in-Chief Goldie 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.”

While this was only the top five candidates, 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 7:00, and the student section theme is berry pride.