Pleasanton Homecoming queen and king crowned on Friday

Natalie Burke and Tony Gillespie, 2023 Pleasanton High School Homecoming queen and king, are crowned during a pre-game ceremony on Friday, Oct. 13. Harlee Evans, front left, and Garrison Cox were the crown bearers for the event. (Photos by Roger Sims/Linn County Journal)

Pleasanton High School seniors Natalie Burke and Tony Gillespie were crowned 2023 Homecoming queen and king at a ceremony Friday before the football game that pitted the Pleasanton Blu-Jays against the Central Heights Vikings.

Friday’s coronation ended seven days of activities including a new activity this year – a bonfire on the Saturday preceding Homecoming week.

Dress-up days during the week included BBQ Dads and Soccer Moms on Tuesday, Barbie vs. Country on Wednesday, Favorite Staff Member Day on Thursday, and class colors day on Friday.

Following a pep rally Friday noon, PHS students took to the streets of Pleasanton for the Homecoming parade.

The Homecoming game against Central Heights didn’t go as hoped with the Blu-Jays suffering a 55-14 loss.

Queen candidate Natalie Burke is escorted by king candidate Braden Baldwin as they are announced to the crowd.

Queen candidate Leah Myrick is escorted by king candidate Tony Gillespie.

Queen candidate Eryn Sabine is escorted by king candidate Bryce Johnson.

2022 Homecoming queen Landry George and king Zander Cox escort crown bearers Harlee Evans and Garrison Cox to the field.

Zander Cox prepares to place the crown on his successor, Tony Gillespie, following the announcement of the winners.

Natalie Burke receives a bouquet from Landry George after receiving the crown.

Last year's Homecoming queen Landry George, newly crowned queen Natalie Burke, new king Tony Gillespie and 2022 king Zander Cox pose with crown bearers Harlee Evans and Garrison Cox.

The royal court assembles for a group photo.