On Monday, Sept. 30, the 2019 Homecoming coronation took place. This event is a tradition at Owatonna Senior High School. The whole student body votes on who they believe deserves the title of Homecoming Queen and King. After narrowing things down in a series of voting on Top 12 and then Top 5. Finally, Julia Dallenbach was crowned the 2019 Homecoming Queen. 

Dallenbach is a senior at OHS. She is involved in many activities in the school such as DECA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, dance team, student council and National Honors Society. She’s also a dancer at Jill Hogards. Outside of school, Dallenbach spends her free time hanging out with her friends, going to concerts, drinking Starbucks and sleeping.

Dallenbach would like to thank her parents, her twin brother Jaden, her best friends and, of course, her dog for all the support they have given her. Dallenbach did not expect to be nominated or crowned queen but is very appreciative for the title. Dallenbach said, “ I was so shocked. I didn’t know what to say, but I’m extremely grateful.”Dallenbach showed her character and remained humble with the honor. She said, “The rest of the Top 12 was just as deserving.” After high school, she plans on going to college but she is unsure of where she wants to attend and what she wants to do. When asked, what are you most excited about for Homecoming Dallenbach answered, “Doing the Top 12 dance at the Homecoming football game’s halftime.”

Find Dallenbach at the Homecoming Parade and football game on Friday, Oct. 5 and on Saturday, Oct. 6 at the Homecoming Dance.

On Monday, Sept. 30, students at OHS gathered in the gymnasium to await the crowning of King and Queen. The student body erupted with excitement as Carson DeKam was chosen to represent this year’s award. DeKam is a senior at OHS and is involved in multiple sports. He is the captain of the football team and is also on the basketball and baseball team. Outside of sports, he is a part of NHS, rotary, Jazz Band, Concert Band and Concert Choir.

DeKam has lived in Owatonna his entire life. He said, “I’ve always been around this community and seen all these people, so I think it’s really cool that they all know me and know that I’ve made an impact on the people of this community.” During his free time, DeKam could be found outdoors out on a lake, watching sports and hanging out with his friends. He is very thankful for the opportunity of being crowned as Homecoming King. DeKam said, “I’d for sure like to thank my mom for raising me after everything that happened with my father, and my brothers for having such a positive influence on me at a young age and keeping me a man of high distinction.”

DeKam never expected to be crowned king. He is not someone who likes to be the center of attention, but is thankful for the award. DeKam said, “It is a tremendous honor that the people in this school think of me that way. You always want to be a better person even when you don’t think you are that person, but it’s awesome that the people in this school really believe that I am.” Homecoming week is an exciting week for students throughout the school district, but nothing is quite as exciting as being honored to represent your community as Homecoming King.

DeKam will be at the Homecoming Parade and football game on Friday Oct. 4, and at the Homecoming Dance on Saturday, Oct. 5.