This year’s senior homecoming candidates hit the stage with Hollywood-themed music filling the SMC with energetic screams and applause for the eighth annual Royal Battle, Oct. 23. Continuing the tradition since 2015, this lip-sync competition continues to be the most anticipated event of the week.

Senior queen candidates who their classmates voted in are; Sophia Adams, Paige Deffenbacher, Gabriella Hutcheson, Chloe McDonald and Mckenzie Sue. King candidates include; Christopher “Boomer” Mericle, Cal Bachowski, Kaleb Marquez, Jake Wyatt and Donovan Guglielmana.

Leading up to the event the seniors practiced for weeks on choreography with help from staff members Kori James, Kimberly Bell and Hope Villines. The postponement of Homecoming allowed extra practices and all their other extracurriculars. 

“They picked up their choreography faster than any other year I can remember,” James said. “Our goal was to bring a stronger theatrical performance with a splash of humor. They killed it!”

“Eye of the Tiger” from the movie Rocky kicked off the event with history teacher Kori James boxing her way onto the stage. Each couple was introduced with fun facts before their couple’s routine.

Partner Duets

Boomer Mericle and Sophia Adams – “La La Land”

Paige Deffenbacher and Cal Backowski  – “Breaking Free”

Gabriella Hutcheson and  Kaleb Marquez  – “Mama Mia”

Chloe McDonald and Jake Wyatt  – “Dance the Night”  

Mckenzie Sue and Donovan Guglielmana  “Cruisin for a Brusin” 

 The finale was a choreographed group dance including routines to these movie hits

“The Hanging Tree”  from Hunger Games

“Immortals” from Big Hero 6

“Hot Wings” from Rio

“My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic

“Happy” from Despicable Me

“The Greatest Show” from The Greatest Showman

Winners were announced based off of results from four judges. Judging criteria Lip Sync, musicality/dance, creativeness, audience enthusiasm.

Congratulations to Boomer Mericle and Sophia Adams for winning the royal battle. Second place was a tie between Gabriella Hutcheson/Kaleb Marquez, Mckenzie Sue/Donovan Guglielmana. We will see you at the end of homecoming week for the announcement of King and Queen!

Gallery • 14 Photos

Mallory Friesen

To read more about homecoming check out Freshmen princess candidates! and Homecoming week arrives