By Joe Foster,
Special to the ShowMe Times

ESSEX - Richland High School celebrated its 51st annual Homecoming Friday evening. With a gymnasium of Rebel fans, the traditional Homecoming Court was presented at halftime of the Richland-Clarkton varsity basketball game.

Crowned King and Queen this year were sophomores Tyler Maddox and McKenzie Hillis.  Chelsea Freeman is the retiring Queen.

The representatives from each class, descending, are:

• Austin Maddox and Mallory Hillis
• Nick Daniels and Jessica Hill
• Tyler Maddox and McKenzie Hillis
• Charlie Atchison and Hailey Laws

When I asked McKenzie her thoughts about tonight she said, “I was really surprised, I wasn’t expecting to win.  I had fun doing it though, but I was sad Mallory didn’t win. I’m glad that I got the opportunity to do it.  I was just really shocked, but glad I won.”

Later in the night girls from kindergarten through the third grade got the opportunity to dance with the cheerleaders during halftime.  Captain Mallory Hillis told me, “It was really a win-win for everyone.  It’s a lot of fun teaching them cheers and dances and they love learning them. 

Chelsea Freeman said, “They did really well! I’m ready to see how the older girls are going to do on their more challenging performance on Thursday at Senior Night.” 

The Homecoming Celebration also included a high school art show, the annual History Day and the Richland Book Fair.