HERMITAGE, Ark. -The 2024 Hermitage High School Homecoming was a memorable evening on Friday, September 20, as six senior maids and the newly crowned Homecoming Queen, Stella Grace Huitt, graced the field in a ceremony filled with joy and tradition.
Karen Dominguez, daughter of Alfonso and Nati Dominguez, was one of the senior maids honored. An avid soccer player and cross-country team member, Karen is known for her dedication to helping Pre-K students. She credits her parents and high school teachers for their support and motivation. Karen’s favorite high school memory involves a lighthearted moment during a soccer game, and she plans to attend college to pursue a nursing career. She was escorted by her father, Alfonso during the evening ceremony.
Mary Olivia “Sassy” Harrod, daughter of Brad and Melissa Harrod, is a student dedicated to both academics and athletics. In addition to participating in softball, basketball, and cheerleading, Olivia has been heavily involved in student organizations such as FCA, FBLA, and Yearbook. Known for her leadership as Cheer Captain and as an Arkansas Girls State Delegate, Olivia expressed deep gratitude for her mother, who she says taught her the value of hard work and dedication. She plans to pursue a career in physical therapy after graduation. Olivia was escorted by her father, Brad during the evening ceremony.
Skyler Marie Parks, daughter of Dale and Crystal Parks, is a spirited cheerleader with dreams of attending medical school. She reflected on the impact of her teachers, who pushed her to succeed despite her “blonde moments” and entertaining stories. Skyler shared a favorite memory of a humorous incident at cheer camp, where laughter filled the air after a teammate’s comical tumble down the dorm stairs. Skyler was escorted by her father, Dale during the evening ceremony.
Jamiya Mahan, daughter of Nakedria Williams and Jeremiah Mahan, shared her love for working with young children and her deep appreciation for her mother, whom she described as her biggest supporter. Jamiya participated in basketball, soccer, and cheerleading during her time at Hermitage. Among her fondest memories is being dubbed the “life of the party” alongside her friends. Jamiya has her sights set on a career in either cosmetology or nursing. She was escorted by her father, Jeremiah during the evening ceremony.
Perla Ramos, daughter of Jesus and Eloisa Ramos, has been active in basketball, softball, soccer, and cheerleading throughout her high school years. Perla expressed gratitude for her pitching coach, Ms. Lori, who she credits with helping her grow both as an athlete and a person. She also fondly recalled a team trip to a soccer tournament, where some teammates made a regrettable dining choice. Perla was escorted by her father, Jesus, and her uncle, Michael Ramos during the evening ceremony.
Katie Joselyn Torres, daughter of Antelma Garay and Bulmaro Torres, is a dedicated student and mother. Katie spoke about the important role her teachers played in helping her through difficult times and gave special thanks to her mother and brothers for their constant encouragement. Katie plans to pursue a career in the medical field to provide a better future for her son, Silas. She was escorted by her brother, Jose Castro during the evening ceremony.
Crowning the evening was Homecoming Queen Stella Grace Huitt, daughter of Blake and Jade Huitt. Stella, who has been involved in cheerleading, Beta Club, FBLA, and served as Senior Class President, shared how her mother and teachers encouraged her to stay true to herself and trust in God. One of her favorite memories was the time she and a friend made secret TikToks during class, only to have them discovered later by a teacher. Stella, who was escorted by her father, Blake, plans to pursue a career in business management. Her attendants for the evening were Jase McDougald and Noa Flores, both kindergarten students.
The evening concluded with cheers and applause as Stella was crowned Homecoming Queen, marking a special moment in the lives of these remarkable young women.
