Miss RHS has been a Richland tradition for many, many years. This year’s crowning ceremony was held on September 6, right before the varsity home volleyball game against the Puxico Indians.  The 2012 candidates included: freshman Jordan Head, being escorted by DJ Kimbrel; sophomore Alexis Acord, being escorted by Alex Green; junior McKenzie Hillis, being escorted by Tyler Maddox; and senior Jessica Hill, being escorted by Jesse Barnes.

After a long day of anticipation for the Richland students, Miss RHS of 2012 was awarded to McKenzie Hillis, who was crowned by her classmate and retiring Miss RHS of 2011, Katlynn Rofkahr. Aside from being named Miss RHS of 2012, Hillis is also Richland’s 2011 Homecoming Queen, a varsity volleyball player, a cheerleader, the Marching Rebel’s drum major, and a member to many organizations and clubs at the school.

“I was really excited and shocked that I won,” Hillis exclaims. “I didn’t really see it coming but I’m glad that everyone voted for me, it really means a lot.”

After the crowning ceremony, Hillis traded her dress for a volleyball uniform and got out on the court. Although it was another good game for both the Indians and the Rebels, Puxico left the gym with the win, leaving the Rebels with a 0-5 season.

It takes a lot more than the score on the scoreboard to ruin the Rebel Spirit though. Richland Pep Club continued to cheer on the team throughout both games. The club has had a big turnout for each home game so far. A lot of the students come to show their support by painting the players’ numbers on their faces and dressing up in red and gray. The Rebels have high hopes that the season will turn around for them soon.