West Bloomfield Homecoming Celebration 'Biggest in 18 Years'

Administrators, teachers, and students alike spared no hyperbole Friday at , as fans greeted homecoming parade marchers and packed the stands to watch performances by the varsity football team, the marching band, Laker Express, dance, cheer, and pom pon teams.

Athletic director and assistant principal Pat Watson called the crowd of the homecoming game against Oak Park, "the biggest homecoming crowd I've seen in 18 years here," while senior leadership teacher Ashleigh Ruggero agreed that students showed "more participation than ever."

"I'm just happy, obviously it's a big honor. It's just a lot of fun and we're optimistic about the dance tomorrow," said Beth Joiner, a Lakers senior, who serves as class president and won homecoming queen.

Police Chief Michael Patton was the grand marshal of the parade which began at Prince of Peace Catholic Church and marched east on Green Road towards the high school, while members of the homecoming court threw candy out of cars to fans which lined the street. The court included:

• Freshmen: Jessie Bowser and Chase Yarber
• Sophomores: Briana Karcho and Pierson Mateika
• Juniors: Janelle Hasenauer and Danny Lipsky
• Seniors: Beth Joiner and Michael Okorn, Rose Filipp and Zach Root, Paul Mayer and Jessica Niskar

John and Nichole Pikur watched the parade with sons Brody, Logan, and Carson with neighbor Stephanie Alban and her son Liam. "It's like Halloween came early for these kids," John said, before his sons began collecting candy thrown in the street.

Senior and starting linebacker Michael Okorn summed up being named homecoming king succinctly. "It's just a great honor to be included in this class," he said after the game. The Lakers lost a heartbreaker, 18-16, to the Knights.