WEST ORANGE, NJ - Seniors Kiley Capstraw and Ayush Narain were selected as the first-ever Homecoming Royalty during the West Orange-Montclair football game in Suriano Stadium on Oct. 15.
After discussions with students, faculty, and administration at West Orange High School, the West Orange High School Class of 2022 elected their top two choices for "Homecoming Royalty" rather than a King and Queen.
WOHS is making the move to a gender-neutral, non-binary selection be more inclusive of their diverse student body, allowing all students to participate while appreciating and respecting differences according to gender.
The six nominees were selected by WOHS staff for having the respect of their peers, exhibiting outstanding character, participating in school life with pride and unification, and demonstrating scholarship, leadership, and fellowship.
Kiley Capstraw is a stellar student who maintains an “A” average pursuing a rigorous course load while excelling as an elite athlete. Her leadership abilities extend beyond the classroom and court/field.
She is a member of the National Honor Society, Managing Editor of The Pioneer Newspaper, Mountaineer Mentor, Teen Pep Educator, Daughter of Israel participant, and volunteer for the NJ Belles.
Athletically, she has been a three-year Captain of the West Orange Girls Varsity Basketball Team. Her 2021 Honors include: NJ.com SEC Conference Player of the Year, D1 Media Pro Girls Basketball Player of the Year, Men of Essex Player of the Year, Sideline Chatter SEC Player of the Year, Second Team All-State, Multiple Conference Player of the Week, and joined the elite 1000th Point Club. She also earned First Team All-SEC 2018-2021, and Player of the Month in December 2019. She was a key contributor to the historical 2019 Essex County Girls Basketball Championship and the 2018 Essex County Girls Soccer Championship. Other soccer accolades include Group 4 Sectional Champions, 2018 Soccer Team final ranking of #4 in the state of New Jersey as well as #18 in the country. She received Third Team All-SEC in 2018 and 2019 Honorable Mention.
Kiley’s outside interests include exploring new places, expanding her food palate, trips down the shore, listening to music, and hanging with her friends. Kiley is looking forward to continuing her academic and athletic career at Yale University as a member of the Women’s Basketball Team.
Read more about the members of the Homecoming Court HERE.
This year's Honorary King and Queen are Gabriel Evans and Angelica Hercules.
Gabriel participates in the 18-21 program and works at Liberty Middle School for Maschio's, the school district's food service provider. He reads the morning announcements and the pledge of allegiance each morning. He is social and loves to dance, participating in the dance program.
Angelica is a senior who works in the school cafeteria as part of the internship program. She is a kind, caring, hardworking young lady who always tries her best. She loves shopping and socializing with friends and family. Angelica will explore her career options through the 18-21 program next year.
See all the photos HERE.
Homecoming Royalty and Court: (L) Justyn Gonzalez, Devin Wilkes, Ayush Narain, Kiley Capstraw, Dylan Wilkes, and Amina Anekwe.
Angelica Hercules and Gabriel Evans
Ayush Arain and Kiley Capstraw
