Queen is Queen: Buckhannon-Upshur crowns Homecoming 2024 royalty

Monica Zalaznik

October 20, 2024

Community Bulletin

Medicare open enrollment runs Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, and local independent insurance agent Jeff Barnhart is offering appointments to help residents review their 2027 coverage options. He reviews plans one-on-one to provide the best options for clients. Read more →

This story brought to you paywall-free, courtesy of the My Buckhannon team and our community partners

Buckhannon-Upshur High School celebrated ‘A Trip to Remember’ during Homecoming 2024, a full week of events that included a parade, football game, dance and coronation ceremony.

The Homecoming Coronation on Wednesday evening featured heartfelt speeches from newly crowned King Bryce Wayne and Queen Grace Queen, followed by closing remarks from Principal Katie Woofter.

Wayne noted his family’s history of homecoming royalty.

“I am proud to be the first member of my family to be a B-UHS Homecoming King, but I’m a part of a family legacy of royalty,” he said. “My grandmother, Nancy Wayne, was Webster County’s Homecoming Queen in 1966, and my cousin, Hannah Wayne, was Webster County’s Homecoming Queen in 2023.”

He also expressed gratitude to his supporters.

“These are three important things to me: having good friends, going to a good school and having great role models. B-UHS has all three,” Wayne said.

Queen used her platform to thank her support system and reflect on her high school journey. She highlighted the positive impact of teachers who provided emotional support and encouraged her to develop her voice as a young woman. Queen also acknowledged the soccer program for teaching her patience and leadership skills.

“Buckhannon-Upshur High School has been a staple in my life for almost four years, a time of unforgettable experiences, lifelong friendships and opportunities to discover who you are,” Queen said. “I’ve always been a Queen, and now I’m yours too. Go Bucs!”

She also emphasized the importance of being true to oneself, stating, “It’s better to appear strange to others than be a stranger to yourself.”

Woofter congratulated the new royalty and thanked those who made the event possible. Woofter praised the newly crowned king and queen for embodying the values that define the Buckhannon-Upshur community and expressed confidence in their ability to represent the school with pride and grace.

“You’ve been chosen, not only for your leadership and your school spirit, but also for the way you embody the values that define our community,” she said. “This celebration has been a true reflection of the spirit and unity that makes Buckhannon-Upshur a special place.”

Below is the full Buckhannon-Upshur High School 2024 Homecoming Court:

Queen and King