Many fans will flock to Weller Field tonight to watch our Mounties take on the United Lions. However, some will focus their attention more on halftime activities than on what happens during the game. The 2006 Homecoming king and queen will be named from the 12 candidates chosen by their classmates.

This year’s court includes Rachel Blistan, Anita Boyd, Kassie Enos, Alex Grab, Samantha Hayden, Caitlin Lattanzio, Imre Bertalan, Jon Emert, Nate Kerns, Steven LaRue, Tyler Lattanzio and Nick McKenzie.

Rachel Blistan was “excited” about being chosen and she said she would also be excited if she were queen. Rachel, daughter of Matt and Mary Anne Blistan, participates in soccer, softball, AFS, SADD, Choral Club, VYN and is the French National Honor Society and Student Council secretary. Rachel enjoys snowboarding and “camping at the Jungle” and plans to attend Duquesne University to major in music therapy.

Another member of the 2006 Homecoming Court is Anita Boyd. Anita is the daughter of Scott and Debbie Boyd. “I was really surprised, but honored, that I was chosen!” she said. “I would be excited if I was the Homecoming queen.” Anita participates in Student Council, AFS, SADD, cross country, soccer, track, swimming and VYN. She also enjoys “camping at the Jungle” and riding horses. Anita plans to attend college in Pittsburgh and would like to major in “biology and psychology to eventually major in veterinary medicine.”

“I jumped for joy when I found out I was chosen,” said Kassie Enos. She would also feel “like a little pretty, pretty princess” if she were Homecoming Queen. Kassie is the daughter of Robert and Diane Enos and participates in VYN, Laurel Highlands Soccer Club, Loyalhanna Soccer Club and works at the Bethlen Home outside of school. She is also a member of SADD, AFS, basketball, National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society, president of Student Council and captain of the soccer team. Kassie plans to attend St. Francis University to become a physician’s assistant.

The daughter of George and Michele Grab, Alex Grab participates in National Honor Society, German National Honor Society, SADD, AFS, One Road, Reading Team, soccer, plays, musicals and is senior class president and a statistician for basketball. She also is active in Outdoor Odyssey, VYN and is a youth soccer coach. “When I heard my name, my eyes about popped out of my head,” said Alex. She also said she would feel “M*azing” if she were chosen. Alex is undecided upon which college to attend, but plans to major in elementary education.

Samantha Hayden is also a member of the Homecoming Court and plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh to major in pharmacy. She is the daughter of Samuel and Theresa Hayden and participates in volleyball, SADD, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society and Student Council. She also works at the Bethlen Home and enjoys going to VYN and “camping at the Jungle.” “That would be awesome if I was queen!” she said. “I was ecstatic about just being chosen!”

“As long as my brother is not the king, I would think it was cool to be queen,” said Caitlin Lattanzio, daughter of Ron and Michele Lattanzio. When she found out she was on the Homecoming Court, she “thought it was pretty sweet.” Caitlin is a member of the volleyball and track teams and also enjoys snowboarding. She plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh when she graduates to major in pharmacy.

“I feel amazing,” said Imre Bertalan. “I would feel as if I were the Queen of England if I were chosen as Homecoming king.” Imre is the son of Imre and Magdalene Bertalan and enjoys playing football and being a member of the track team. Imre, who nicknamed himself “The Thrill,” is escorting Anita Boyd. He plans to attend Toledo University to become a nuclear physicist and would also like to become an astronaut.

Jon Emert is the son of Chris and Stephanie Emert and will be escorting Alex Grab. Jon’s participates in football, track, VYN and Frisbee. “I felt good when I was chosen. If I was king, I would be ecstatic!” he said. Jon plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh to major in pharmacy.

“I was honored when I was chosen and I would be really excited if I were king,” said Nate Kerns. He is undecided on which college he will attend, but plans to major in communications. Nate, son of John Kerns and Diane Glarrow, participates in golf, basketball, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society and Student Council. He also is a member of VYN and enjoys hanging out with friends and “camping at the Jungle with the Bethlen Boys.”

Steven LaRue feels “appreciative” at being chosen. Steven, son of Bill and Linda LaRue, is planning to attend Washington and Jefferson College or Duquesne University to major in business administration. “I would feel like a million dollars if I were king,” he said. Steven plays many sports for the school including golf, basketball and baseball. He also is a member of National Honor Society and is Student Council and French National Honor Society treasurer. Outside of school he enjoys “camping at the Jungle” and is a member of VYN.

Another member of the court is Tyler Lattanzio, who plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh or Duquesne University to major in pharmacy. Tyler, son of Ron and Michele Lattanzio, is on the golf, cross country, basketball and track teams. He also works at Ligonier Tavern and enjoys hanging out with friends and “camping at the Jungle.” “As long as the queen is not my sister, I would be thrilled to be king,” he said. Tyler will be escorting Samantha Hayden.

The final member of the Homecoming Court is Nick McKenzie, who is the son of Thad and Joyce McKenzie. He plans to attend Penn State University to major in architecture when he graduates. Nick, who felt “super” when he was chosen for the court and would feel “awesome” if he were king, enjoys motocross and snowboarding.

Congratulations to the members of the 2006 Homecoming Court. Good luck in your quest to become king or queen and good luck, Mounties!