“It’s every little girl’s dream to become part of the HOCO royalty,” said Carissa Luna-Trujillo after winning Miss Congeniality at the Homecoming Pageant on Saturday, September 9.

33 candidates were nominated and then were narrowed down to 8 final contestants. These 8 final contestants were Brielle Hammond, Sabrina Flanary, Nikki Dong, Hannah Olsen, Jaidyn Wilder, Carissa Luna-Trujillo, Kate Barker, and Maddy Rainer.

“I love that each club has a nominee. It shows how unique and diverse GHS really is,” said Tylie Hancock, the SBO President,”I think the homecoming royalty needs to be kind, inclusive, and full of school pride. We want someone to represent Grantsville in the best way possible.”

In the end, there could be 4 winners. After a lineup of onstage walks, onstage questions, and talents the girls filed back out in their formal wear to await the crowning of the next Homecoming Queen.

First, they called forward this year’s Miss Congeniality, Carissa Luna-Trujillo with Maddy Rainer as Second Attendant and Sabrina Flanary as First Attendant. Last they called forward Nikki Dong, this year’s 2023 Homecoming Queen. After winning Nikki Dong said, “I was pleasantly surprised, but extremely grateful and blessed to have this wonderful opportunity!”’

Later in the Homecoming royalty made an appearance at the Homecoming football game during halftime each in their formal gowns and escorted by their fathers. All of the winners had a bio read about them over the speaker as they stood on the 50-yard line. The royalty also were presented at an assembly on Friday as well as came to the Homecoming dance on Saturday all decked out in their crowns and sashes.