Let it reign:
2009 Homecoming King and Queen are crowned despite bad weather
Jason Seyler
Issue date: 10/1/09 Section: News
Lock Haven University crowned its 2009 Homecoming King and Queen at halftime of the football game Saturday afternoon.
In a steady rain, an energized Jack Stadium crowd exploded in cheers as junior Brian Keefer and senior Leigh Szucs were crowned king and queen.
Surrounded by friends and family all day, Keefer's courage and positive attitude has been an inspiration to the Lock Haven University community.
"I decided to run for homecoming king for a couple of reasons," said Keefer, who returned to Lock Haven this year following a spinal cord injury in July 2008. "I've had a chance to meet new people through this experience."
While still enjoying volleyball and track events, the time Keefer spends visiting with his friends are the moments he cherishes the most.
In the past year, several fundraisers have been organized by students to help Brian and his parents, Steve and Dawn, adjust to the challenges they face.
"This has been a great chance to thank all the people who have helped me since my accident," said Keefer.
Szucs is a Lock Haven-native who has been active on campus as a resident assistant at McEntire Hall and a Student Action Counsel representative for the Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physcial Education, Recreation and Dance.
"I enjoy being involved in on-campus events," said Szucs, a health & physical education major. "Being homecoming queen is a great way to show my pride and spirit in Lock Haven University."
The 2009 Homecoming Prince and Princess are seniors Jelani Washington-Crum, of Philadelphia, Pa, and Larissa Gun, of Westfield, Pa.
The homecoming court congregated under the SCC Leadership Tailgate tent to stay dry during most of the game.
Under the guidance of Jodi Smith, director of student activities, the tailgate featured barbecue, chicken, salads, brownies, cookies and refreshments.
After the clock ran out on the second quarter of the game, the University Marching Band, joined by former band alumni, took the field and played the alma mater before the court was announced.
Joining the homecoming court at the center of the field were University President Keith T. Miller and the 2008 king and queen, Dan Neufer and Marceilla Veltri.
"I'm glad to be back in Lock Haven for homecoming," said Veltri. "It's nice to see some old friends and be a part of this tradition."
For the second year in a row, homecoming festivities were challenged by rain as giggles were apparent at times as members of the court, as well as President Miller, were forced to negotiate umbrellas during the crowning.
In a steady rain, an energized Jack Stadium crowd exploded in cheers as junior Brian Keefer and senior Leigh Szucs were crowned king and queen.
Surrounded by friends and family all day, Keefer's courage and positive attitude has been an inspiration to the Lock Haven University community.
"I decided to run for homecoming king for a couple of reasons," said Keefer, who returned to Lock Haven this year following a spinal cord injury in July 2008. "I've had a chance to meet new people through this experience."
While still enjoying volleyball and track events, the time Keefer spends visiting with his friends are the moments he cherishes the most.
In the past year, several fundraisers have been organized by students to help Brian and his parents, Steve and Dawn, adjust to the challenges they face.
"This has been a great chance to thank all the people who have helped me since my accident," said Keefer.
Szucs is a Lock Haven-native who has been active on campus as a resident assistant at McEntire Hall and a Student Action Counsel representative for the Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physcial Education, Recreation and Dance.
"I enjoy being involved in on-campus events," said Szucs, a health & physical education major. "Being homecoming queen is a great way to show my pride and spirit in Lock Haven University."
The 2009 Homecoming Prince and Princess are seniors Jelani Washington-Crum, of Philadelphia, Pa, and Larissa Gun, of Westfield, Pa.
The homecoming court congregated under the SCC Leadership Tailgate tent to stay dry during most of the game.
Under the guidance of Jodi Smith, director of student activities, the tailgate featured barbecue, chicken, salads, brownies, cookies and refreshments.
After the clock ran out on the second quarter of the game, the University Marching Band, joined by former band alumni, took the field and played the alma mater before the court was announced.
Joining the homecoming court at the center of the field were University President Keith T. Miller and the 2008 king and queen, Dan Neufer and Marceilla Veltri.
"I'm glad to be back in Lock Haven for homecoming," said Veltri. "It's nice to see some old friends and be a part of this tradition."
For the second year in a row, homecoming festivities were challenged by rain as giggles were apparent at times as members of the court, as well as President Miller, were forced to negotiate umbrellas during the crowning.
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