Aleya White got an early treat Friday when she was named Lakeside High School's homecoming queen.
"It's a shocker," the senior said. "I don't know how to take it all in, but I'm happy."
During halftime of the Lakeside-Butler football game, White was escorted by her brother, Kendall White, and was crowned queen in front of a packed stadium.
White has cheered on Lakeside's varsity basketball squad for three years and is a competition cheerleader. She's also involved with The March of Dimes and Relay for Life.
She plans to attend the University of Alabama and major in computer engineering.
White said she enjoyed meeting the other contestants.
"Now, we're really good friends," she said of her fellow homecoming court members.
First runner-up Savannah Crews got to know White just this week. She said she likes the newly crowned queen.
"It's been great," she said. "It's been crazy though, getting all the extra stuff in my schedule."
Crews, who was escorted by her father, David, is president of the school's Interact and Beta clubs. Crews also is the chairwoman of honor council, vice president of Spanish Club and a member of the Student Activities Leadership team.
Vanessa Puccini, who was named second runner-up, wore a dress she designed specifically for the evening.
She plans to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City or The Savannah College of Art and Design and major in fashion design and merchandising.
"I just felt proud of myself," Puccini said about designing the dress she wore at the ceremony.
She also was on crutches, having torn her ACL on Thursday while playing kickball.
Puccini, who was escorted by her father, Juan, is a member of the Spanish Honors Society, Spanish Club and Student Council.
The other homecoming court members are Theresa Bailey, Katelynn Coley, Kendel Dove, Maggie Harrover, Lauren Miller, Tara Morgan, Lindsy Richards, Miranda Soloff and Lindsey Vernon.
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