Switzerland County High School held its Winter Homecoming celebration on Friday night; and highlighting the event was the crowning of Kylie Carfield as this year’s Homecoming Queen and Jacob Schmerr as this year’s Homecoming King.
The two seniors were chosen from a field of six Queen and six King candidates, which were chosen by the senior class and then were voted on by the entire student body. The crownings came during a ceremony between the junior varsity and varsity games.
Queen Kylie Carfield is the daughter of Joe and Michelle Carfield of Vevay. During high school, she has been a member of the cheer squad, Student Council, Drama Club, and Outdoor Club. Kylie was also elected as a class officer each year throughout her high school career. She has volunteered her time cleaning up at the Swiss Wine Festival, reading to elementary school students, and assisting at the Switzerland County Animal Shelter. Kylie was awarded the title of cheer co-captain her senior year, the Spirit Award in cheerleading her freshman and sophomore years, and the Mental Attitude award for cheerleading her junior year. She also represented her senior class in the 2015 Aurora Farmer’s Fair.
After graduation, Kylie plans to attend Indiana State University to pursue a degree in elementary education.
King Jacob Schmerr is the son of Chris Kappes and Christina Kappes of Bennington. During high school, he has been a been a member of the Drama Club and the president and 10-year member of the O3C 4-H Club. Jacob has volunteered his time with the Ohio County Junior Leader program, the Swiss Villa Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and the Vevay Food Drive. He played the lead role in the Drama Club’s production of How to Kiss a Girl, and was selected as one of the junior directors for the 2016 4-H Camp.
After graduation, Jacob plans to attend Ball State University to pursue an associate degree in computer technology, and a Bachelor’s Degree of Fine Arts for acting. He then hopes to begin an acting career in comedy.
The first runners up for Homecoming were Brooke Todd and Caleb Furnish.
Brooke Todd is the daughter of David and Angela Todd of Vevay. During high school, she has been a part of the basketball, softball, and volleyball teams. She has also been a member of FCA and BPA throughout her high school career. Brooke has had the honor of helping win a sectional championship in each of the three sports that she plays. She was the MVP of last year’s basketball sectional championship team. Brooke is also a member of the Olive Branch Baptist Church Youth Group.
After graduation, Brooke plans to attend Hanover College where she will continue to play basketball while earning her bachelor’s degree.
Caleb Furnish is the son of Angela Furnish-Lynam of Vevay and the late Gayle Eddie Furnish. During high school, he has been a member of the basketball and baseball teams, Pep Club, and the Prom Committee. Caleb has volunteered his time helping to decorate the Vevay courthouse during the holidays. He was also honored with the Most Improved Award on his freshman and sophomore basketball teams, and he was a part of the sectional championship basketball and baseball teams his freshman year. He is also a member of the Olive Branch Baptist Church Youth Group.
After graduation, Caleb plans to attend the College of Mt. Saint Joseph to play basketball and pursue a career in nursing.
Honored as the second runners up on Friday night were Courtney Gullion and Eli Bowling.
Courtney Gullion is the daughter of Chris and Debbie Gullion of Florence. During high school, she has been a member of the volleyball team, Pep Club, and FCA. She is also the co-president of Student Council, the District 12 President of BPA, and was elected president of her class throughout her high school career. Courtney has volunteered her time tutoring elementary school students, helping at the Switzerland County Animal Shelter, and assisting the elderly at the Swiss Villa Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was a 2015 Swiss Ambassador and is a member of the National Honor Society.
After graduation, Courtney plans to attend Ball State University to pursue a degree in nursing.
Eli Bowling is the son of Steve and Sandy Bowling of Bennington. During high school, he has been a member of the golf team, the football team, and the FFA. He has also participated in 4-H for the past 10 years and he now attends the Southeastern Career Center. Eli has volunteered his time helping at the Swiss Wine Festival and decorating the town of Vevay. He was a candidate for the pumpkin show, a football homecoming candidate, a Farm Bureau Board member, a competitor in the Skills USA Competition at Vincennes University, and a participant of the My Community, My Vision State Governor Project.
After graduation, Eli plans to attend Jefferson Community Technical College in Kentucky to major in chemical engineering. He hopes to earn his degree and begin a career as a chemical technician.
Other Queen candidates included: Kelsi Konkle, Anna Lockwood, and Jade Mullins. Other King candidates included Clay Althoff, Drew Hewitt, and Wyatt Miller.