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THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
October 25, 2023
Sophia Vacca chosen as 2023 Homecoming Queen Holiday Neufeld selected as Maid of Honor
Article and photos by Ethan Nahté
Seniors Sophia Vacca and Holiday Neufeld both were surprised as they were chosen as the 2023 Homecoming Queen and Maid of Honor, respectively, before the kickoff of Friday night’s game against Fouke. Vacca was crowned by the 2022 Homecoming Queen Carmen Puckett. Vacca said the first thing that went through her mind when they announced her name, “It was unreal. I was so excited… my heart was beating,” she answered, still overcoming a slight shortness of breath. “I feel very, very loved, and that feels nice. “Whatever queenly duties they’ll have me do, I’ll do them,” she said with a laugh.
Sophia Vacca Vacca said when she graduates, she’d like to go to Dallas and earn her degree in psychology. Neufeld said when she heard her name announced, “I was really happy and I was kind of surprised, too. I was really happy though, mostly,” she
replied, laughing. “It was a shock.” Neufeld had barely gotten seated for photos when she had to rush back to sing an a cappella version of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” “That was a little stressful, but it’s over now,” Neufeld said. “Now, I can sit and enjoy the game.” The court cheered the team on from the end zone. They also moved to the sidelines at halftime to take in the performances by the Fouke and Mena marching bands, as well as the cheerleader routine. By the time Mena had scored twice
Holiday Neufeld in the third quarter, many of the girls were cheering alongside the cheerleaders, still in their formal gowns while the remainder ate popcorn, interacted with the crowd and continued supporting the team.
