BY EMILY AGUILAR
Emily Huong, ERHS’ 2014 Homecoming Queen
Photo courtesy: Tara Lanning )
Eastvale – On Fri., Sept. 19, a unique victory was won at Eleanor Roosevelt High School’s football game. Although the football team didn’t win their game, Emily Huong was the true star of that evening when she claimed the title of Homecoming Queen.
Emily, a senior with special needs, was supported by over 4,000 ERHS mustangs and staff when she ran for Homecoming Queen. The students shared their excitement when it was announced that Emily had won.
Tara Lanning, President of Best Buddies, said that upon winning an excited Emily stated, “I am Queen Emily, and you all are my princesses!”
Lanning also shared that Emily thanked the girls who nominated and campaigned for her, including Best Buddies Vice President, Claire True, Amanda Albrecht (and Lanning).
“The thing that really stood out and made me happy, was that Emily thanked her buddy, Amanda, and thanked me and Claire; that definitely warmed my heart! And after she won she told everyone, “give me some hands,” and we all cheered for her,” continued Lanning.
When Lanning was asked if they were the ones who nominated Emily, she said, “Yes! We put up a lot of posters around our school and advertised it on Twitter and Instagram. But after she was nominated, it was totally our peers who reached out and voted for her, which is really awesome!”
Newly crowned Queen Emily remembers the evening to be filled with memorable experiences that made her senior year.
“I was very happy,” she said while recalling the moment that the entire audience chanted her name as the crown was being placed on her head.
Even more heartwarming for the young queen was the support that her teachers have shown toward her throughout her high school career.
“She’s come a long way,” said her teacher, Rosie Esquivel.
Watching her grow up over their years together, Esquivel couldn’t help but express how proud she is of Emily and her maturity.
“She’s a nice young lady who’s been able to communicate and express herself with her peers. She has such a vibrant personality,” said Esquivel.
It was with this personality that Emily was able to win the hearts of new admirers, as well as forming a new bond with Homecoming King, Quinn Dunziellas.
While Emily is currently enjoying her title of queen, she still enjoys the more humble activities in her life. Emily states that in her free time, she enjoys singing to the latest songs, improvising new dance moves, and watching movies; her favorite being Disney’s “Frozen”.
At the moment, Emily looks forward to finishing high school before continuing her education at John F. Kennedy Middle College to enroll in life skills courses.
Sarah Armijo contributed to this story.
