In a rare six-way race for Escalon High School Homecoming King, Edgar Samano reigned supreme, taking the crown at halftime of Friday night’s varsity boys basketball game against Riverbank High School.

Though the game went on the books as a loss (See story, photos in Sports, Page A8) the evening was a winning one for Samano, who was one of six candidates for the Homecoming honor.

The son of Enrique and Hilda Samano, Edgar was escorted to center court at halftime by his parents, joining the other nominees and their parents. Other nominees were Jacob Alvarado, Chance Bollen, Tim Costa, Blue Capps and C.J. Gumbs.

A member of Art Club, French Club and GSA, Edgar also joined cheerleading for his senior year and cheered on the football sidelines and during halftime performances this past fall as well as suiting up to cheer for the Friday night Homecoming basketball game.

“I’m just grateful,” Samano said after receiving his crown from Homecoming Queen Lexi Wheeler, crowned during the football season. “I was uneasy somewhat but a lot of people reassured me.”

Cheerleading advisors said Samano was the first male cheerleader in the school’s history to earn the Homecoming King crown and he was met by cheers and hugs from his cheerleading teammates after the crowning.

As part of his ‘biography’ read during the introduction of the King nominees, Samano thanked his parents, teachers and friends for motivating him and urged his peers to “enjoy every moment you can” because senior year and graduation comes faster than you think.

He listed Erin Headley as his favorite teacher and plans on attending Modesto Junior College after graduation, later transferring to a four-year school to pursue a nursing career.