During the homecoming football game Friday, Oct. 7, homecoming traditions were performed: presentations of the class floats, introduction of homecoming court, and announcement of homecoming queen.

Senior Hailey Baltosser was chosen as the 2016-17 homecoming queen by a vote of the students.

“It was such a surreal moment,” Baltosser said. “It took a minute for it to really sink in that they said my name. I was completely overjoyed. It left me speechless. I couldn’t stop smiling.”

Baltosser was one of five senior girls who were voted onto homecoming court. Court members are chosen by the members of each class prior to homecoming week.

Senior Loren Jolin was also on homecoming court.

“All of the girls who were on court were good choices to represent our class,” Jolin said. “I think Hailey deserved to be crowned queen, and our peers seemed to think so too.”

Baltosser has attended Kearsley her whole school career, and she keeps herself busy with sports, clubs, and volunteering.

She is the president of the National Honor Society, is a member of the cheer team, and is a freshman mentor.

Senior Wiliam Spielmaker voted for Hailey because he felt she was the most deserving candidate.

“She is kind, humble, and she is willing to put others before herself,” Spielmaker said.

Before being voted onto homecoming court, Baltosser had never thought about becoming the queen since she had never been elected to court.

“I didn’t think I would even make it onto court,” Baltosser said. “That’s why it was such a surprise.”

Baltosser is thankful to her peers and those who supported her.

“I’m forever grateful that my class and school voted for me,” Baltosser said. “Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to have this unforgettable experience.”