Senior Lovely Wright was crowned Mineola’s 2019 homecoming queen in pregame ceremonies Friday at Meredith Memorial Stadium.

She is the daughter of Alicia James and the late Billy Wright, Class of ‘72.

Lovely is serving as president of the Key Club. She is a member of the Health Occupations Students of America organization, the Garden Club and Girls Club. Lovely is also an active member of the First Baptist Church youth group.

After graduation, she plans to pursue a degree in orthodontics or mental health. Lovely was escorted by her youth pastor, Kendall Banks.

Wright said her choice was a surprise, and that it meant a lot that, “My student body respected me enough to represent them.”

She said Banks has been like a second dad to her, especially after her father passed away last year.

Passing on the crown was 2018 homecoming queen Lena Hughes. She is a student at Stephen F. Austin State University, majoring in music education. 

 She was assisted by Presley Tucker, the daughter of Daniel and Amber Tucker, both MHS class of 2006. She is in Mrs. Wedding’s kindergarten class; and Lane Wilson, the son of Keagan and Brittney Wilson, both MHS class of 2008. He is in Mrs. Bright’s first grade class. They are both students at the Mineola Primary School.

Other senior nominees included Tiara Stephens and Melea Bedford, nominated by the freshman class, Pennie Smith and Kelsey Brewington nominated by the sophomores, Megan Holt and Tristan Kirk nominated by the juniors, and senior nominee Sabria Dean.

Serving as class duchesses were Ti’amrie Wallace, Sunni Ruffin, Camila Ramos and Valeria Tellez.

See photos from the parade and coverage of the game.