Jesse, Lee named Decatur homecoming queen and king

Photo by Mike Eckels Mathline Jesse (left) and Alex Lee were named the 2017 Decatur homecoming queen and king during the coronation at Bulldog Stadium in Decatur onFriday. The ceremony was held prior to the Decatur-Westside football contest.
Photo by Mike Eckels Mathline Jesse (left) and Alex Lee were named the 2017 Decatur homecoming queen and king during the coronation at Bulldog Stadium in Decatur onFriday. The ceremony was held prior to the Decatur-Westside football contest.

— Under a beautiful setting sun, the 2017 Decatur High School homecoming court, escorts and guests walked toward the visitor sideline of Bulldog Stadium ready for the 2017 homecoming coronation.

After the junior-high football game, the eight-member court gathered at the 50-yard line with their escorts, ready for the long walk to the center of the field.

Elaine Christman served as master of ceremonies, and Tajhe Turner choreographed the movement of the court. As each maid and escort were introduced, they walked to the center of the field and stood between two balloon pillars. They then moved into their place in front of the home bleachers.

Ithzel Martinez and escort Rigo Rubi were first to take the walk, followed by Aubrey Bartlett and Sam Philpott. Savannah Dodson with Cayden Bingham and Renae Nino with Charlie Baltrusch were next. Senior maid candidates and their escorts followed. Leticia Fuentes and Taylor Haisman, Jazmine Godines and Dylan Wells, Mathline Jesse and Alex Lee, and Cheyanne Malone and Sebastian Perez took their places. Last to make the walk were crown bearers Raelee Adams and Logan Smith, escorted by Kaylee Morales.

When the court was fully assembled in front of the bleachers, Christman paused for a few anxious moments before making the much-anticipated announcement.

"The 2017 Decatur High School homecoming king is," Christman said and paused before saying, "Alex Lee."

Lee stepped forward to receive his ceremonial autographed football from Logan Smith.

"The 2017 Decatur High School homecoming queen is," Christman continued, "Mathline Jesse."

The stadium came alive as Jesse stepped forward to receive her crown, scepter and cape from Adams and Morales.

Lee placed the crown on Jesse's head and turned to tie the cape around her neck. But Jesse had other ideas as she grabbed the cape and tied it around Lee's neck and handed him the scepter. While camera shutters clicked photo after photo, the royal couple stood in place. After a few minutes, Lee took off the cape and tied it around Jesse's neck, completing the ceremony.

Jesse and her court retired to the reviewing stand behind the east goal line. There they watched the Bulldogs take on the Westside Rebels for the final event of the homecoming celebration.

General News on 10/18/2017