The United Local 2026 Winter Homecoming Court included, from left, front row, Leighton Birmingham, Kylie Holmes, Maggie Cope, Taylor Balint, Natalie Shipley, Queen Abigail Jones, Ines Vilela Rego; back row, Owen Moser, Lucas Palmer, King Tyler Wood, Wyatt Blevins, Kadin Schonauer, Jason Pratt and Levi Lucas. (Submitted photo)

HANOVERTON – On Friday, Jan. 30, United Local Schools held their Winter Homecoming game against Leetonia. Highlights of the evening included the announcement of United’s Homecoming Court and the crowning of the 2026 queen and king. Last year’s queen was Olivia Hardgrove. She is the daughter of Marsha and Fritz Roth. She was escorted by senior basketball player Lance Rycraft. Lance is the son of Tia and Tom Poling and Matt Rycraft.

The announcement of the court and the crowning took place between the reserve and varsity games, where the 2026 Queen Abigail Jones and King Tyler Wood were crowned by the former queen.

On Saturday, Jan. 31, the junior class sponsored the Winter Homecoming Dance. The theme was “Winter Wonderland.” The dance ran from 7:30 to 10 p.m. in United’s middle school gym. Officers who planned the dance included President Jordan Kidder, Vice President Delaney Jones, Secretary Brynn Medure and Treasurer Tessa Clunen. The junior class advisor is Valerie Kidder.

The following students were on the 2026 Winter Homecoming Court:

The freshman attendant was Leighton Birmingham. She is the daughter of Mark and Erika Birmingham. Her activities include swimming, Art Club, Youth Coalition, and volunteer work. Her escort was Owen Moser. Owen is the son of George and Stacey Moser. His activities include soccer, bowling, band, and 4-H.

The sophomore attendant was Kylie Holmes. Kylie is the daughter of Bryan and Becky Holmes. Kylie’s activities include soccer, basketball, track, and 4-H/Future Farmers Association. Her escort was Lucas Palmer. Lucas is the son of Daniel and Tiffany Palmer. His activities include football, Future Farmers Association, and Youth Coalition.

The junior attendant was Ines Vilela Rego. Ines is an exchange student from Spain. Her parents are Jose’ Martin and Katy Costa. Her host guardians are Scott and Karen Strong. Her activities include cheer, basketball, and plans to participate in track. She was escorted by Levi Lucas. Levi is the son of Tim and Crystal Lucas. His activities include football, S.I.C. Club, basketball, and track.

The senior attendants were as follows:

Taylor Balint, daughter of Sean and Rebecca Balint. Her activities include shopping and making money. Taylor was escorted by Wyatt Blevins. Wyatt is the son of Wesley and Erica Blevins. His activity includes basketball.

Maggie Cope, daughter of Tony and Mary Cope. Her activities include four years of band, wrestling, track, and Future Farmers Association. Maggie’s escort was Tyler Wood. Tyler is the son of Tim Wood and DeeDee Willis. His activities include football, basketball, and the Public Safety Program (MCCTC).

Abigail Jones, daughter of Scott and Trinette Jones. Her activities include varsity cheer, competition cheer, youth group, and National Honor Society. Her escort was Jason Pratt. Jason is the son of Jimmy and Lindsay Pratt. His activities include serving as basketball captain and playing baseball.

Natalie Shipley, daughter of Jeremiah and Shawna Shipley. Natalie’s activities include going to the gym, shopping, soccer, and spending time with friends. She was escorted by Kadin Schonauer. Kadin is the son of Shawn and Tara Schonauer. His activities include serving as baseball captain, football captain, participating in basketball, and involvement in the Columbiana County Business Advisory Council.