By Debbie Adams
William Byrd High School seniors Addison Clark and Dawson Young were crowned
Homecoming Queen and King for 2025 during halftime ceremonies at the game against Radford
on Oct. 3. They were chosen by their classmates to represent the pride, tradition, and spirit of
WBHS.
chosen as Homecoming King and Queen for 2025 by the student body. (photo by Debbie Adams)
Addison is the daughter of Allen and Sharon Clark. She is a member of the varsity softball team,
FCA president, Beta Club and the 2025 Dog Pound Leader. Dawson is the son of Clyde and
Leah Young. He is a member of the varsity lacrosse team.
Members of the Homecoming Court— 20 in all— were escorted to the football field by a family
member before the announcement of the new queen and king were made.
Court. The King and Queen are chosen from the eight seniors. (photo by Jordan Persinger)
Other members of this year’s Homecoming Court were:
• Freshmen: Ryleigh Fisher (the daughter of Leanne and David Fisher) and Reid Divers (son of
Corey and Lindsay Divers)
• Sophomores: Kyndra Weeks (daughter of Jeremy Weeks and Leandra Lafon), Jahniya Coles
(daughter of Jonathan and Hollie Coles), Milton Clark (son of Milton and Cheryl Clark), and
Ke’arion Burch (son of Kierra Preston)
• Juniors: Heidi Dixon (daughter of Chris and Lori Dixon), Bailey Tabor (daughter of Frank and
Shelly Tabor), Ellie McCulloch (daughter of Jay and Shannon McCulloch), Austin Kroner (son
of Mark and Anna Kroner), Thomas Purcell (son of David and Angie Purcell), and Gavin
Thornton (son of Gary and Dawn Thornton)
Seniors (in addition to Clark and Young):
• Jayden Niday, the daughter of Evan and Melanie Niday, is the lead editor for Terrier TV,
attends the Burton Center for Arts and Technology, and is a member of the Beta Club
• Ava Sexton, daughter of Erik and Stacey Sexton, is a captain of the varsity lacrosse team, a
member of the Leo Club, and SCA representative
• Aubrey Booze, the daughter of George and Paula Booze, is a member of the varsity
competition and sideline cheer teams, the indoor and outdoor track team, and the Beta Club
• Titus Beatty, the son of Tim and Letitia Beatty, is a member of the varsity football team, the
Leo Club, and the Student Voices Committee
• Collin Mills, the son of Matthew and Erin Mills, is a member of the varsity track, golf, and
cross-country teams, the Beta Club, DECA, and the FCA
• Luke Helton, the son of Aaron and Brandy Helton, is a member of the varsity basketball team,
DECA, and the FCA.
Principal Evan Noell crowned the queen and king, assisted by flower girl Hadley Kessler
(daughter of Thomas and Devan Kessler), and crown bearer Deacon Cox (son of Matt and Molly
Cox).
bearer for Homecoming 2025. (photo by Debbie Adams)
The Homecoming candidates were introduced to the community in a parade at 5 p.m., marching
or riding from the Spring Grove subdivision, down Route 24, to the high school, escorted by
local law enforcement and led by the Navy cadets, Marching Terriers, Leo Club, cheerleaders, a
group from W.E. Cundiff Elementary, floats, and first responders. Homecoming candidates rode
in convertibles, waving to the crowd.
neighborhood, including the Homecoming Court in convertibles. Jahniya Coles and Milton Clark
are sophomores on the Court. (photo by Debbie Adams)
The Homecoming Game was packed with special activities. The Marching Terriers, led by Band
Director Dan Plybon, presented their 2025 competition band program “Eye to the Sky” prior to
kick-off. The William Byrd chorus, led by Choral Director Matt Bartley, sang the national
anthem as cadets from the Navy National Defense Cadet Corps raised the flag over the
scoreboard.
During the game, Coach Norm Lineburg was honored for his career at William Byrd and
Radford. He passed away in July. His family flipped a special game coin designed by WBHS
Tech Ed teacher John Richardson.
Senior Cam Thepsimuong was introduced during the game. He is continuing in his battle against
osteosarcoma.
Also during the game, Door Dash presented a donation of $500 to the high school.
game. It was accepted by (from left) SRO Johnny Runyon, the Terrier Mascot, WBHS Principal
Evan Noell, and SRO Joe Mullins. (photo by Debbie Adams)
The Terriers defeated the Radford High School Cougars with a score of 35-7. The Homecoming
Dance followed on Saturday evening.
More Homecoming photos can be found on the Vinton Messenger Facebook page.
