BHS students pursue historic ‘rite of passage’ for 96th Coronation

Breckenridge High School held their 96th Coronation on Saturday, Jan. 30 in the historic Bailey Auditorium, observing one of the ‘rites of passage’ that BHS students have participated in since 1925.

The students entered down the long ramp to the stage while the traditional music of “Triumphant Voluntary” played.

Nayeli Hernandez was crowned Buckaroo Queen and the Great Lord Chamberlain was

Jonas Arellano, both involved in basketball as outstanding members of their respective teams.

Train Bearers were Leyannh Baxley and Mea Duran. The Crown Bearer was Hector Hernandez and the Flower Bearer was Caden Creager.

The Queen’s Court was made up of fellow students who have been elected by their respective classmates.

The entertainment for the Queen’s Court was led by Kayla Wood, who sang “Even If.” She was followed by Avery Rodgers, who sang “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and she was followed by Addison Dickenson singing “When I Look at You.” Next on the program was Hannah Pennartz, who sang “I Love You No More.” The Grande Finale for the Queen’s Court was a quartet of Pennartz, Dickenson and Caroline Turner, with Kayla Wood accompanying them on the guitar for “Always Remember You.”

Each year, a theme is decided upon and kept under wraps until the night of the Coronation. In the historic past, some coronations featured a full orchestra. In more recent years, it may have been a group of musicians from the community who played the theme music and accompanied various singers. Sometimes, it was just a pianist such as the late Terry Sullivan or Janice Smith. This year, a gifted pianist, Amanda Bolgiano, volunteered from the community. She accompanied the singers representing BHS, which included Avery Rodgers, Kayla Wood, Addison Dickenson and Hannah Pennartz.

The Masters of Ceremony (MC’s) were Addison Stoker and Anson Rodgers, who introduced all the participants and what Honor or organization they represented.

Participants this year for the 96th BHS Coronation:

The 96th Buckaroo Queen is Nayeli Hernandez and the Great Lord Chamberlain is Jonas Arellano.

Best All-Around Girl and Boy are Riegen Robertson and Evan Moore

Most Popular Girl and Boy are Savannah Hinton and Colby Stoker

The 2020 Homecoming Queen and King were Kayla Wood and Jonathan Trejo, and in their court are the class favorites from each class, as elected by their peers.

Senior Class Favorite Girl and Boy - Caroline Turner and Zach Otts

Junior Class Favorite Girl and Boy - Shalyn Owen and Isaak Eutimio

Sophomore Class Favorite Girl and Boy - Avery Rodgers and Jerry Lawson

Freshman Class Favorite Girl and Boy - Charlie Salazar and Kason Mercer

The Homecoming Court includes:

Trinity Cooper and Spencer Ortega

Alexis Navarro and Robert Duncan

Kylee Willis and Nathaniel Barrera

Aileen Castorena and Alias Maya

Junior Princess and Prince - Jackie Guillen and Timothy Adams

Sophomore Princess and Prince - McKenna Adams and Zeke Castillo

Freshman Princess and Prince - Zaea Ragle and Angel Hernandez

STUCO Sweetheart and Beau - Ashley Reyes and Thomas Hamilton

Theatre Sweetheart and Beau - Jewel Graves and Alexander Cooper

Band Sweetheart and Beau - Bethany Boone and Jaden Hitch

Football Beau/Cheerleader Sweetheart - Lizbeth Escobedo and Juan Saucedo

Yearbook Sweetheart and Beau - Kylee Palmer and Alex Fuson

NHS Sweetheart and Beau - Rosalba Marentes and Rylan Sims

Drum Majors - Diana Mendoza and Jose Mendoza

FFA Sweetheart and Beau - Caiden Gonzales and Kason Knight

Ushers for the 96th BHS Coronation were led by Head Usher, Jackson Woodward, and included Shayli Harrison, Liam Skunkard, Yareli Trejo, Isaac Duran, Joaquin Hernandez, Jimena Palacios, Lexi Matthews, Ayden-Reyes, Elizabeth San Lucas, Chicago Harper, Emily Welch and Aaron Moore

Theme music and dress styles have changed through the years, but the traditional ‘rite of passage’ continues to keep the Buckaroo spirit alive and well.