Queen Malia Ortiz and King Angel Gonzalez are crowned during halftime festivities on Sept. 13

Santa Ynez High School held its Homecoming the weekend of Sept. 13 and crowned Queen Malia Ortiz and King Angel Gonzalez during halftime of that night’s football game between SYHS and Mission Prep High School of San Luis Obispo.

Santa Ynez High senior Angel Gonzalez accepts the crown after being named Homecoming King during halftime of the Sept. 13 SYHS football game. He is being applauded by (from left) Malia Ortiz (about two minutes away from being named Queen), Haylee Fox, and Jack Fisher.
Santa Ynez High senior Malia Ortiz is congratulated by other members of the Homecoming Court after being named Homecoming Queen on Sept. 13 during halftime of the SYHS football game.

Ortiz and Gonzalez received the honor each among a field of eight candidates. The King and Queen were paired up and driven to the field in a classic car or pickup and each was individually introduced while being escorted by family members before lining up on the sidelines for the big announcements.

Santa Ynez High senior football player Luca Clifton is escorted by his parents during the Homecoming introductions at halftime of the Sept. 13 football game.
Santa Ynez High senior Grace Vazquez is escorted by her parents during the Homecoming introductions at halftime of the Sept. 13 football game.

Homecoming Princesses were Gigi Demeure, Grace Vazquez, Haylee Fox, Kimberly Medina, Nataly Davalos, Sofia Tinajero, and Sophia Merz. Homecoming Princes were Aaron Figueroa, Dylan Ross, Hayden Blunt, Ilan Torres, Jack Fisher, Kurren Kays, and Luca Clifton.

Homecoming candidates Aaron Figueroa and Kimberly Medina smile for the camera while being chauffered to the field for the halftime ceremony.

The Pirates football was defeated by the visiting Royals 30-13 in the Homecoming game.