There was a festive mood in the air Friday, as the Homecoming Week festivities drew to a close with the crowning of a new Homecoming King for Escalon High.
Senior Danny Thompson received the honor, voted in as King from among five candidates vying for the title. His fellow candidates were Armando Beccera, Israel Ruiz, Charlie McDonald and Robbie Hoile. (See additional photos, Page A2.)
"I feel honored," said a happy Thompson after receiving the crown at halftime festivities of Friday night's varsity basketball game. "It was the entire school that voted for the winner ... it's overwhelming."
Active in football and tennis, the Peer Interaction Team and more, Thompson was surrounded by friends as he accepted the crown, placed on his head by Homecoming Queen Madison Kisst. All the other candidates wished him well and offered their congratulations following the crowning. Each of the candidates was escorted to center court by their parents for introductions as part of the halftime ceremony, which also included a 'parade' of decorated carts and wagons. Winning that competition was the senior class.
"His dad says he's not the king, he's the jester," mom Sue Thompson said, chuckling.
"We're proud of all the things that Daniel's accomplished," she added more seriously. "It makes me happy to think that other people think as highly of him as his mom and dad do."
Noting that his son has had "a great high school experience," dad Dan Thompson said he believes it's only the beginning.
"Daniel makes me very proud," his dad said. "He's been involved with a lot of clubs, done sports ... if high school is any indication of Daniel's future, he'll be successful."
For his part, the new King said he enjoyed participating in the Friday afternoon rally and the variety of unusual activities the candidates had to do throughout the week, including wearing their 'practice crowns' everywhere they went.
"I'm going to look back on this with a huge smile," he said of the experience. "Great friends, great memories. This helps put the icing on the cake ... it's something I'll remember for the rest of my life."
Senior Danny Thompson received the honor, voted in as King from among five candidates vying for the title. His fellow candidates were Armando Beccera, Israel Ruiz, Charlie McDonald and Robbie Hoile. (See additional photos, Page A2.)
"I feel honored," said a happy Thompson after receiving the crown at halftime festivities of Friday night's varsity basketball game. "It was the entire school that voted for the winner ... it's overwhelming."
Active in football and tennis, the Peer Interaction Team and more, Thompson was surrounded by friends as he accepted the crown, placed on his head by Homecoming Queen Madison Kisst. All the other candidates wished him well and offered their congratulations following the crowning. Each of the candidates was escorted to center court by their parents for introductions as part of the halftime ceremony, which also included a 'parade' of decorated carts and wagons. Winning that competition was the senior class.
"His dad says he's not the king, he's the jester," mom Sue Thompson said, chuckling.
"We're proud of all the things that Daniel's accomplished," she added more seriously. "It makes me happy to think that other people think as highly of him as his mom and dad do."
Noting that his son has had "a great high school experience," dad Dan Thompson said he believes it's only the beginning.
"Daniel makes me very proud," his dad said. "He's been involved with a lot of clubs, done sports ... if high school is any indication of Daniel's future, he'll be successful."
For his part, the new King said he enjoyed participating in the Friday afternoon rally and the variety of unusual activities the candidates had to do throughout the week, including wearing their 'practice crowns' everywhere they went.
"I'm going to look back on this with a huge smile," he said of the experience. "Great friends, great memories. This helps put the icing on the cake ... it's something I'll remember for the rest of my life."
