As the school year begins, the anticipation around the election for the 2025 Homecoming queen arises. On Sept. 10, the Manheim Township High School Homecoming court was announced. Homecoming will be held on Oct. 4 in the MTHS arena from 6-10p.m. If you are unsure of who you are voting for this year, read this article to learn a little bit more about each of our senior Homecoming queen nominees. The contestants for the 2025 Homecoming queen are Annabell Albright, Winnie Allen, Laila Colon, Georgia Ealy, Ella Himelfarb, Paige Hughes, Wyatte Lyons, Leah Phillips, Oly Sponaugle and Elaine Warfel.

There are lots of things these girls have to accomplish before the Homecoming queen is selected. As the girls walk down the football field on Friday, Oct. 3, they have a short biography read about them on what they do in and out of school. The girls are the ones that prepare these readings, so a lot of hard work is put into them. Before that game, there is a formal dinner held with all the Homecoming girls and their families. Typically, when the girls are presented during halftime of the game, they are asked to be dressed in business-formal attire and be escorted by a guardian of theirs. Most girls wear a blazer and skirt set, but some also have worn one-piece dresses.

“The girls do lots of research finding the perfect outfit for that night,” said Himelfarb.

The first Homecoming queen nominee is Annabell Albright. She is very grateful to be part of an amazing group of girls during this Homecoming season. This is something new for her and she is filled with gratitude toward her class who chose her to be a part of it. Albright is most looking forward to halftime of the Homecoming game. She is anxious to walk down the field with her dad by her side. She has many hobbies, but some to point out are reading, listening to music, paddle boarding and skiing. Albright loves to spend any time of hers that she can outdoors.

“I have danced my whole life and find it to be the greatest way to express myself,” said Albright.

Dance is a huge factor in Albright’s life and she is beyond grateful for the family it has provided her with. She has learned skills not only in dance but in friendship as well. Albright has been taught many lessons that she is excited to take with her for the rest of her life.

The next nominee is Winnie Allen. She feels rewarded with this opportunity to be a participant in the 2025 Homecoming court here at Manheim Township. The pep rally games are something Allen is looking forward to participating in, as well as many other girls because she loves how excited everyone gets to watch them.

“I love performing with my band, singing, playing piano, running and eating hibachi,” said Allen.

Allen is a part of the band “Hotmess” with Sofia Shorter, Paige Fairbanks, Sammy Valentine and Quinn Heller. This group of people have put immense time and effort into their band, Allen included. She is also a part of the cross country team at Township so those two things together take up a lot of her time. Allen has many passions in life, but the two that are most important to her are music and the equality for all people.

Another one of the homecoming nominees is Laila Colon. She is surprised but extremely grateful she has been elected to be on the 2025 court. This is a different experience to her and she is so excited that she is involved with it.

“I’m really excited to participate in this with these girls,” said Colon. “I’m just happy I get to experience something like this my senior year.”

Colon has many hobbies like art, listening to music and hanging out with her friends and family whenever possible. Even with all these interests, Colon’s favorite by far is wrestling. This is her fourth year on the Township team, so wrestling has made a very large impact in her life. Colon’s passions revolve around her sport and making sure all environments are inclusive. To Colon, she believes no one should ever feel left out, so it is important to her that no one ever feels that way.

The next Homecoming queen contestant is Georgia Ealy. Ealy is very happy she has been elected by her classmates.

“I feel honored to be picked for Homecoming court because it is nice to think that our grade thinks I am a good representation for it,” said Ealy.

Since Ealy has been elected, she is most excited to participate in the pep rally that is held before the Homecoming dance. She is looking forward to playing the games at the pep rally for some entertainment in front of the school. Some of her hobbies include running, dancing, traveling, reading and baking. Ealy is on the cross country and dance team at Township. One of Ealy’s many passions is helping out at local animal shelters. She plans on continuing to do this for as long as she can to help out those animals that need it.

The next nominee is Ella Himelfarb. She was super and excited when she found out her class had voted her on the Homecoming court.

“I didn’t see the Instagram post saying I was on it, but my mom called me and told me that I was,” said Himelfarb. “I think it is going to be such a fun experience, and the other girls are all amazing people.”

Himelfarb agrees with Ealy and is excited to participate in the pep rally games with her best friend, Lauren Weeks. Some of her hobbies are hiking, running and reading books. She has been on the cross country and track team for years, which are two big parts of her life.

“I am very involved in my church and my youth group. I could easily say it is the most important part of my life,” said Himelfarb.

One of Himelfarb’s biggest passions is her faith, and she always strives to share that side of her life with others.

Another contestant is Paige Hughes. Hughes is all around super excited for this opportunity, just like the other girls on the court. She is glad people see her as someone that is involved, kind and caring.

“I strive everyday just to be a nice person because you never know how bad of a day someone is having,” said Hughes.

Hughes is excited for the Homecoming football game and to be presented in front of the stadium. She looks forward to being able to dress up and watch all the girls walk with their escorts. Her favorite activities to do in her free time are play softball, listen to music and spend time with her loved ones.

“It’s pretty easy to be kind and to make an impact so why not do it every day? I’ve learned over the years that a smile or a wave can change the outcome of someone’s day so I keep my energy positive and encouraging,” said Hughes.

Hughes is involved in lots of extracurriculars at Township such as Mini-THON, student council and different youth sports. Hughes is most passionate about trying to make Township’s community a better place every day.

Next, Wyatte Lyons has also been elected for the 2025 Homecoming court. Lyons is very reassured at the fact that she was elected by her class and is happy that they see her positive impact on the school. Lyons also is excited for the pep rally and is looking forward to walking down the field during the Homecoming game with her dad. Lyons has lots of hobbies, but her favorite is dance. She also enjoys spending her free time reading, spending time outside and being with loved ones.

“I am super passionate about advocating for my political beliefs,” said Lyons.

Lyons is grateful for being involved in the Women in Leadership club at Manheim Township because this gave her an opportunity to advocate her political beliefs even further for the women here at Township.

Leah Phillips is another senior elected for the 2025 Homecoming court. Phillips is extremely appreciative of this opportunity her class has given her and is taking her role in this court as a huge compliment from the people in her grade. Phillips is most excited to decorate her pep rally outfit and is looking forward to making more memories with her friends during this experience. Phillips’ hobbies include hiking, camping, snowboarding, going to the beach, soccer and spending time with her family and friends.

“I have been tutoring for several years and love spending time with my buddy every week,” said Phillips.

Phillips is super passionate about tutoring and teaching all the kids their lessons. It is extremely important to Phillips that they have someone to look up to both in and outside of the classroom.

Oly Sponaugle is another contender in the 2025 Homecoming court. She feels honored getting nominated for the court with girls who she has known since elementary school. Sponaugle is someone who tries to bring a lot of spirit into everything she does so she is looking forward to bringing that energy to the pep rally. She is excited to go “all in” and she hopes everyone has a great time during the whole weekend. Sponaugle’s hobbies involve hanging out with her friends, watching TV shows and going to sporting events whenever she is not too busy.

“I try to say yes to many new opportunities as I am not afraid to put myself out there,” said Sponaugle. “Also, you meet new people and it feels so good to be a part of something bigger than myself.”

Sponaugle tries to get involved in many different clubs and activities so she can do her best to make a difference at Township. She stands by the fact that no matter what your passion is, there is always something to participate in.

Lastly, Elaine Warfel is also in the senior class here at Manheim Township and was voted by her classmates to be a part of the 2025 Homecoming court. Warfel is honored to be representing the school and community with this group of girls.

“The school comes together to make a fun environment for the weekend, and I am looking forward to experiencing this from a new perspective,” said Warfel.

Along with the other girls on the court,  Warfel is anticipating going to the Homecoming football game and pep rally. She loves how the school brings such high energy to these events and makes them enjoyable to everyone. Warfel’s hobbies include meeting new people, being outdoors, playing sports, going on adventures and taking time to relax. Movies are something Warfel is extremely passionate about, as she loves seeing the world from different perspectives and storylines.

To wrap things up, these girls have said they are extremely excited for this experience and they are very grateful towards their classmates. The pep rally is something the girls are looking forward to, as they have all said they are excited to perform in it, so the games should be executed well and entertaining from the stands. You can now cast your vote for homecoming queen on the ballot on Schoology in the “Class Of” pages. Voting closes on Oct. 1.