With her stepdad Rick Holly by her side, senior Raneesha Brown makes her way to her spot to stand on the football field for the Homecoming Queen crowning.  She reaches her mark and waits, looking around taking in everything around her. 

“And the 2011 Homecoming Queen is…Raneesha Brown!” 

She didn’t realize she had won until her stepdad nudged her to walk forward to the crowning spot. She stepped up and smiled as the flowers were placed in her arms and the crown was set upon her head.

On Sept. 30, 2011, Brown was awarded the title  of 2011 Fall Homecoming Queen.

“I was making sure it was my  name that called,” said Brown, “I was like, WHAT?!”

Immediately following the crowning, Brown hugged her friend, (who was also on the Homecoming court), senior Karli Pianalto.

“Oh my gosh!  You’re mom’s gonna freak!” said Pianalto to Brown after the crowning.

For the rest of the night, Brown participated in the band stands, continuing her duty as a percussionist, and marched in the band half time show — dress and all.  During the game, Brown became even more thrilled when a small five year old child came up to her and said she was beautiful.

After taking what felt like hundreds of pictures, Brown and her family celebrated her new title and went to Taco Bell afterwards.

“It was the best night of my life,” said Brown. “I will never forget it.”

Prior to the homecoming game, Brown had already felt many emotions when she was nominated and then elected to homecoming court.  While playing in the jazz band during 7th period, the announcement for homecoming court was made, but Brown did not hear it.  After school, friends flocked to her congratulating her.  Brown, thinking they were just kidding, verified the story for herself.

“I was really excited but very shocked at the same time,” said Brown, “The whole experience made my senior year.”