Marais des Cygnes Valley High School 2023 Homecoming Royalty. Photo by Lisa Reeser.

MELVERN, Kan. – While Marais des Cygnes Valley High School couldn’t claim victory at Friday’s football game, Melvern still had plenty to celebrate during its 2023 Homecoming. Crowned as this year’s MdCV Homecoming Queen and King were Haylea Bethell and Corey Criss. In the crowning ceremony prior to the kickoff for the home game against Marmaton Valley, 2022 Homecoming King and Queen, Kyler Anschutz and Kyla Vogeler, presented the crowns to the new king and queen. During the homecoming game, the Wildcats claimed a win over the Trojans with a 60-0 score.

MdCV 2023 Homecoming Queen Haylea Bethell is the daughter of Jeff and Jo Bethell and Curt and Christi Allen. In high school, Haylea has been involved in volleyball, basketball, softball, class treasurer, track, band, and FFA. In her free time, Haylea enjoys hanging out with friends, helping her dad on the farm, and reading books.

MdCV 2023 Homecoming King Corey Criss is the son of Matt and Angie Criss. In high school, Corey has been involved in football, basketball, FFA, and Washburn Tech-Auto Service Technician. In his free time, Corey enjoys working at the Melvern Lake Marina, and fishing, hunting, and hanging out with friends.

Also serving as senior homecoming candidates were Olivia Lacey and Deken Colyer. Olivia is the daughter of Matt and Amy Lacey. In high school, Olivia has been involved in volleyball, basketball, softball, StuCo, FFA, FCCLA, FBLA, Band, Choir, class president, and NHS. In her free time, Olivia enjoys being a volunteer firefighter for Osage County Fire District No. 3, and “The Loft” youth group member at Mount Pleasant.

Deken is the son of Amanda and Carl Colyer. In high school, Deken has been involved in football, basketball, baseball, and in Washburn Tech-Electrical Technology. In his free time, Deken enjoys riding four-wheelers, hanging out with friends, and going to church.

Freshman attendants were Mady Rose and Landon Traver. Mady Rose is the daughter of Dustin and Jessica Rose. Mady is involved in volleyball, cheerleading, FFA, FCCLA, FBLA, class treasurer, and choir. Later this school year, Mady plans to participate in basketball and softball. In her free time, Mady enjoys playing volleyball for the Emporia Volleyball Academy. Mady was escorted by Landon Traver, son of Toby and Gloria Kitt and Kenny Stephens. Landon is currently involved in football, FBLA, FCCLA, and FFA. Later this school year, Landon plans to participate in basketball and baseball. In his free time, Landon enjoys playing basketball for Triple Threat.

Sophomore attendants were Kadence Masenthin and Hunter Masenthin. Kadence is the daughter of Derek and Chelsey Masenthin, and Jessica Black. In high school, Kadence has been involved in volleyball, FBLA, FCCLA, Track, and basketball. In her free time, Kadence enjoys playing volleyball for Emporia Volleyball Academy, hunting, and hanging out with family and friends. Kadence was escorted by her cousin Hunter Masenthin, son of Echo Masenthin and Jeff Bell. In high school, Hunter has been involved in football and FFA. In his free time, Hunter enjoys spending time with family and friends, riding dirt bikes and four-wheelers, and working on the farm.

Junior attendants were Isabella Steggs and Trey DeCavele. Izzy is the daughter of Mathew Steggs and Tiffany Steggs and step-dad Bradey Toy. In high school, Izzy has been involved in volleyball, basketball, band, softball, and Flint Hills Tech-Auto Mechanic. In her free time, Izzy enjoys playing volleyball for Emporia Volleyball Academy and participating in the Cool Car Club of KC. Izzy was escorted by Trey DeCavele, son of Brian and Kimberly DeCavele. In high school, Trey has been involved in football and basketball. In his free time, Trey enjoys volunteering as a firefighter for Melvern Fire District No. 3 and riding dirt bikes in the Forward Motion Hare Scramble series.

Kindergarten attendants, who assisted in the crowning ceremony, were Aidrian Freeman, daughter of Nick and Jessica Freeman, and Killian Bruening, son of Bryan and Alex Bruening.

Information and photo thanks to Lisa Reeser