During the week of Oct. 6, 26 Homecoming candidates participated in Homecoming Week activities, leading up to the Homecoming coronation during halftime at the football game on Oct. 10. 

Of the 26 candidates, one takes home the crown. This year, Altoona crowned their first Homecoming King: senior Julian Pringle. 

“It feels really good to make that kind of impact,” Pringle said. 

Pringle wasn’t expecting to win. 

“It was euphoric on Friday when I got announced,” Pringle said. “My reaction was probably like, ‘Wow, I did it.’ I think all the preparation and doing as much as possible was just awesome. I knew that I would be more towards the top, but I wasn’t sure if I was going to win or not. I knew that there were a lot of other competitors as well.” 

Homecoming committee adviser Paige Matteson believes Pringle is a positive representation of the student body. 

“He [Pringle] embodies the spirit of Altoona as he is hard-working, caring, enthusiastic and kind,” Matteson said. “Julian was dedicated to his role on the court as he completed all tasks in a timely and dedicated manner. He is a role model for many in our district.”

Pringle feels there was an added responsibility in regards to being Homecoming King. 

“Being able to guide students, being able to set a leadership role in terms of if a student is feeling down emotionally or struggling academically, just being that voice,” Pringle said. “Being that leadership, not saying you need it in school, but the leadership that can be there, if possible. Just knowing, ‘Hey, Julian Pringle’s there,’ and being able to be a model.” 

Senior Isabella Abbott was also a candidate this year, representing silks. 

“I am very glad he [Pringle] won,” Abbott said. “He is a very good person, and a very good student. I can’t imagine a better person to have the crown.” 

Pringle hopes his win changes the course for future Homecoming Candidates. 

“I hope a lot more guys will run next year,” Pringle said. “That’s my big thing. I hope more guys run, or they have a king and queen separately because I think this would be a great opportunity for both guys and girls to do. It is a very fun thing to do and could be represented by guys and girls, not just one gender.” 

Matteson is pleased that Pringle is the first Homecoming King. 

“I think it is wonderful that Julian is the first AAHS Homecoming King because he truly bleeds Maroon and White,” Matteson said.