A magical homecoming experience, to many, is a cliche. A perfect high school dance is an event that has only been displayed on screens, a night that exclusively belongs to television shows and movies.

However, students at PLHS have had the grand opportunity to see this story-like experience come to life with a certain student. At her senior year homecoming, Emma Eberhart was crowned homecoming queen for the class of 2022. But, before the glamorous crown proudly shone on the top of her head, a plan was conceived to vote Eberhart onto the court. 

As Eberhart is a known Monarch softball fanatic, the softball players have gotten the chance to see Emma’s outgoing side come to life. From those experiences, a few girls on the varsity softball team decided to campaign for Eberhart to get on court. A tweet from the varsity softball Twitter account, Petersen’s Posse, with the message to vote Eberhart for homecoming court was the beginning of Eberhart’s journey to becoming royalty. 

“I feel like through softball I was able to see Emma more comfortable and just happier by being around an atmosphere she loves and that really has helped me truly get to know her,” senior Sydney Kotz said.

As Eberhart won her spot on the court, she participated in traditions, while continuously breaking the mold. During the halftime show at the homecoming football game, she makes her way across the field, locked arms with her parents while radiating true Monarch pride.

  “We really appreciated Mrs. Skardski contacting us prior to the game to ask about accessibility and what would work best for Emma’s participation in the halftime homecoming festivities,” Eberhart’s mom, Teresa Eberhart said. “Preplanning allowed us to be able to not have to stress and guess how it would go.”

Emma’s excitement to be on homecoming court was contagious, as she shaped other homecoming court’s members’ experiences for the better.

“Being on court with Emma made an unforgettable experience and feeling for me,” Kotz said. “My favorite part was at the crowning before we were all being announced, and Emma came over looking fabulous with a huge smile across her face as she was dancing in her chair.”

It was finally the moment that every student and staff had been waiting for; once the clock struck 10 p.m. at the homecoming dance, coronation had begun. In moments like these, most would be seen with expressions of anticipation. But in this year’s homecoming, it was quite clear whose head that crown would be placed upon. 

“When Emma won homecoming queen, I was not surprised one bit,” Kotz said. “Everyone knows and loves Emma as a happy, sweet, funny girl and we all knew what she deserved. When they called her name I could not stop smiling until I left the field.”

Eberhart’s victory perfectly displays her true character and the relationships she has formed over her years at PLHS. 

“Emma is the type of person who creates community wherever she goes,” Eberhart said. “Homecoming is about celebrating the community that is PLHS, about everyone coming together. Emma is a person who brings people together- from all areas of interest, backgrounds, and groups.”