A senior who excels in music, home economics and athletics was chosen as the 2011 Homecoming Queen at Bethel Baptist School Jan. 13.

Capturing the honor was Megan Matthews, daughter of Joel and Sarah Matthews. Other high school division contestants were Charlotte Matthews, Athena Markham, Morgan Starrett, Cassie Bunner and Amber Wolff.

Megan Matthews has attended Bethel Baptist School for four years. She has played volleyball for two years and received the Team Player Award in 2011. She is also a varsity cheerleader.

She was a first place winner in Home Economics at the 2011 ACEA State Academic Competition and finished third in Old Testament. She also won third place in Vocal Solo, and second place in Oral Interpretation of poetry in ACEA State Fine Arts Competition in 2010 and first place in Flute Solo, and third place in Vocal Solo in 2011. She also finished fifth in Organ/Piano Duet at the AACS National Competition in 2011.

The coronation was staged in the church sanctuary in the presences of over 200 students, faculty members, parents and friends. Each of the 14 contestants, including kindergarten and elementary divisions, and their escorts were introduced as they walked to their positions on the stage.

Of the five contestants who competed in the kindergarten division, Susanna Nave, five-year kindergarten student, was crowned queen. She was escorted by Daniel Ruhl.

The other five kindergarten contestants were Emma Jo Blaxton and escort Carson Jett, representing the 3-year kindergarten; Rachel Mae Payne and escort Nikolai Dubnik, 4-year kindergarten’ Clara Kennedy and escort Ford Shelton, four-year kindergarten; Anna Hampton Burroughs and escort Josh Dubnik,, four-year kindergarten; and Lanie Shaw and escort Joshua Stephenson, five-year kindergarten.

Ellie Metzgar, a second grader, was crowned queen in the elementary division. She was escorted by Billy Davis.

Maggie Coley was also a contestant in the same division. The third grader was escorted by Adam Tidwell.

Representing the fifth and sixth grades were Mya Robinson and Logan Fortenberry.

Mr. and Mrs. Dewayne Wells emceed the homecoming program, under the title of “A Stroll Through Paris.”