Senior Mekayla Gist is the 2016 Chapman High School Homecoming Queen.

Hearing her name called was a fulfillment of a dream, she said.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Gist said. “My nerves were everywhere when they started to name the winners. It tried telling myself, ‘If you win, don’t cry,’ but that didn’t happen. I cried so much. It was a great feeling.”

Gist said the whole week was special for her.

“Honest and truly, everything (was the best part of the homecoming experience),” Gist said. “I enjoyed dressing up everyday, getting to wear the homecoming court sash, the assembly, the parade, taking pictures, the ice cream social, the homecoming dinner, the pep rally, the game and the crown itself. The crown is so beautiful and unlike any crown I’ve seen before. The Student Council did an amazing job with everything.”

As Homecoming Queen, there are many things to look forward to.

“I am excited to crown the 2017 Homecoming Queen because I know it will be one of the greatest moments of her life,” Gist said. “I’m ready to carry on the tradition of crowning the next queen.”

Principal Ty Dawkins has words directly for Gist:

“A huge congratulations to you, MeKayla,” Dawkins said. “I’m extremely proud of you. I know you’ll represent Chapman with this crown beyond expectation.”

The night of crowning as a whole was what Dawkins called “electric.”

“I think the night was electric and the crowd was alive,” Dawkins said. “You could feel it.”

Gist said that homecoming week and being crowned was an amazing feeling — not only because she took home the crown but because of the support that was presented to her the entire week.

“Homecoming was one of the best experiences I’ve had,” Gist said. “So many people were supporting me all week. It’s a great feeling knowing that I have so many people behind me. (It was) unforgettable.”