Burn Ban in Effect. All outdoor burning is prohibited in Franklin County.
The night was filled with anticipation and a bit of nostalgia as the 2026 Homecoming Court for Mount Vernon High School was announced and culminated in the crowning of seniors Briahna “Bri” Walker and Cordell Carroll as queen and king.
Bri Walker is the daughter of Jamil and Brittany Traylor, who were her escorts for the ceremony. She is a member of Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and Leaders of Tomorrow. She is in athletics, including varsity softball, varsity volleyball, varsity cheer, and was named Academic All-District. After high school, Bri plans to attend the University of Oklahoma to pursue a degree in marketing and sports marketing.
Cordell Carroll is the son of Amanda and Harold Carroll, who were his escorts onto the field for the ceremony. Cordell is a member of Mount Vernon High School (MVHS) football and soccer teams. He was awarded Second Team All-District football honors in 2025. After high school, Cordell plans to pursue a doctoral degree in physical therapy.
Three other princes and princesses were honored with their parents during the halftime ceremonies.
Prince Dexton Patrick is the Son of Nikale Parker and Dexter Patrick. His mom served as escort for the ceremony. Dexton is a member of the MVHS FFA, athletics, “Training/Trainer,” Tiger Band, National Honor Society, and Interact Club. He is one of the top 10 students in the 2027 graduating class, was selected to receive the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) and attend the RYLA Leadership Camp, and was the recipient of the Honesty and Integrity Award from the Masonic Lodge. After High School, Dexton Plans to attend Prairie View A&M University to major in computer science and then earn a master's in AI.
Prince Brayden Baker is the son of Amanda Baker Jason Baker, who served as his escort for the ceremony. Brayden is a member of Varsity Football, Varsity Basketball, Varsity Track, and Leaders of Tomorrow. In the 2025-26 school year, he was awarded the Iron Tiger Award and Utility Player of the Year - Football. After high school, Brayden plans to attend Texas Tech University and major in sports management or business.
Prince Isaiah Hunter is the son of Amelia and Rusty Goodman. Amelia Goodman and Brandon Hunter served as his escorts for the ceremony. Isaiah is a member of varsity football, track, and golf teams. His awards include First Team All-District Linebacker. After high school, Isaiah plans to go to college and major in biomedical engineering.
Princess Emilee Hughes is the daughter of Jason and Cody Hughes, who served as her escorts for the event. While in high school, Emilee is a member of the volleyball and basketball teams, the National Honor Society, and FCA. Her awards while in high school include Varsity Basketball First Team All-District, Varsity Volleyball First Team All-District, and Academic All-District in both. Emilee is one of the top five GPA’s in in the MVHS 2027 graduating class. After high school, she plans to attend a four-year university to pursue a career in nursing.
Princess Elly Hedges is the daughter of Rob and Beth, who served as her escorts for the evening. While in high school, Elly has been a member of cheer and golf teams, the student council, Interact, and One Act Play group. She was a part of the 2024 and 2025 UIL One Act Play State Qualifying teams and a member of the 2023, 2024, and 2025 UIL State Spirit 10 teams. After high school, Elly plans to attend a four-year university and earn a degree in business.
Princess Kember Cunningham is the daughter of Amy Baker and Chad Cunningham, who served as her escorts for the ceremony. Kember is a six-year member of UIL One Act Play, yearbook, and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) organizations. She was a member of the 2024 and 2025 UIL One Act Play State Qualifying shows, and a member of the 2026 UIL One Act Play State Championship team. After high school, Kember plans to attend college and earn a degree in sonography.
As is tradition, a duchess was selected from each of the underclass groups to serve as representatives to the 2026 Homecoming Court.
Junior Duchess Katelyn Craver is the daughter of Brandie and Craig Craver, who served as her escorts for the ceremony. Katelyn is a varsity member of the cheer, tennis, and volleyball teams. While in high school, her awards include All American Cheerleader for 2026, 2025, and 2024 and Leaders of Tomorrow. She plans to attend college and pursue her dreams of being an ultrasound technician.
Sophomore Duchess Gable Scott is the daughter of Jay and Kristen Scott, who served as escorts for the night’s festivities. Gable is a member of the MVHS Varsity Basketball Team and a two-year member of the JV volleyball team, FFA , and Leaders of Tomorrow. In 2026, Gable received the Basketball Academic All-District honor and served as 2025 Freshman Homecoming Duchess. After high school, Gable plans to attend a four-year university to further her education.
Freshman Duchess Madeline Goodman is the daughter of Jeff and Dusty Goodman, who served as her escorts for the ceremony. She is a member of the MVHS Cheer Team, the Gather and Grow Club, and MVHS Theatre group. Madeline's awards include 2026 NCA All-American Cheerleader, 2025 UIL OAP District Champion and Honorable Mention All Star Cast, and National Junior Honor Society.
This past week was spent making memories for the 500-plus MVHS students and the staff, and many parents got to go along for the ride. Photos and memos were added to electronic scrapbooks while many of the older generation spent it pulling out old annuals and physical scrapbooks to relive their memories. No matter which group you find yourself in, most can agree it is a great experience that will be revisited over many years to come.
