Capping off the week with a huge win on the playing field, the Escalon community also welcomed a new Homecoming Queen on Friday night at Engel Field.

The Homecoming Week festivities wrapped up with the naming of Grace Fitzgerald as the new queen, crowned at halftime of the varsity football game against Mountain House. The Cougars went on to win by a final score of 49-34, completing the sweep as the JV won their game as well, putting the finishing touches on a successful celebration.

Friday also featured the afternoon’s downtown parade, with Grand Marshal Ryan Young enjoying a place of honor as he rode along Main Street waving to parade attendees. He has taught at Escalon High School for 17 years and has lived in the community for 15 years. He said one thing he enjoys at EHS is getting involved in – and typically winning – the various class fundraising challenges. There were musical groups, school floats, community groups and more in the parade – additional photos are featured on Page A3 of this week’s issue.

Floats based on each class theme were on display and, after the floats made their way around the track at EHS in between the JV and varsity games on Friday night, the seniors – with their theme of Peter Pan – were declared the float competition winners. The junior class theme was Alice In Wonderland, sophomores were The Wizard of Oz and the freshmen depicted Beauty and the Beast on their float.

For Fitzgerald, who normally is suited up and leading the crowd in the cheers and performing as an EHS varsity cheerleader on Friday nights, this one was just a bit more special.

“I think it wasn’t until I woke up this morning that it seemed real,” Fitzgerald admitted on Friday of the entire Homecoming experience.

She saluted her fellow queen candidates – Sarina Algaheim, Carsyn Beckham, Lily Franks and Grace Stime – noting that the five enjoyed all the week’s festivities together.

“They were so great, it was just awesome to be with them this week,” Fitzgerald said.

At EHS, she is involved in a number of activities, from cheerleading to softball, ASB – she served as a Homecoming Commissioner last year – and Key Club.

All five of the candidates were escorted to midfield, after a cruise around the track in their cars, by their fathers at halftime of the varsity game to await the announcement of the new queen. Once Fitzgerald’s name was announced, varsity football team captains Max Nicholas, Mark DeHaven and Trent Cummings presented her with the crown, flowers, cape and signed football. She then took a victory ‘lap’ in the car, waving to fans on both the visitors’ and home side of the field before the game resumed for second half play.