A Crown, 46 Years Later

Palyn Koopmann, Editor

For many students, being selected for the homecoming court is more than a competition of popularity, but also being given a chance to represent the student body in front of the whole town. This year’s court included freshman duchess, Aubry Guzman, sophomore duchess, Leah Rodriguez, junior duchess, Trinity Flores, and the 3 senior queen nominees, Avery Martin, Amaya Luna, and Alondra Davila. In the end, Davila was crowned by Yorktown High School’s 1980 Homecoming Queen, Ms. Lana Brysch. 

Davila has participated in many activities during high school, including softball, powerlifting, and track, as well as yearbook, Spanish Club, and FCA.  Davila’s biggest positive influences in her life have been her parents and she says, “My favorite part was definitely the quality time spent getting ready with my mom and my aunt. Having them there to help me made the experience so special.” She is grateful to be chosen by the students to represent the school as Homecoming Queen and says that in the crowning moment, “It really felt surreal.”

Another queen was present Friday night also. Ms. Lana Brysch, 1980 Homecoming Queen, was back on the field to crown the 2026 Queen. She was escorted by her son, Corey Brysch, who also graduated from Yorktown High School. After college, Brysch returned to Yorktown High School as a teacher and still continues educating young people today at Holy Cross Catholic Church. 

Overall, the 2026 Homecoming celebration was a meaningful night that brought together students, families, and members of the Yorktown community. From Davila being crowned by a former Homecoming Queen to the involvement of students across all grade levels, the evening highlighted the traditions that make homecoming special. Davila’s selection marks a memorable moment in her high school experience, while Brysch’s return 46 years after her own crowning shows how these traditions can connect generations of Yorktown students.