WEST ORANGE, NJ – Seniors Shane Donagher and Cara Baluzy were crowned Homecoming Royalty along with Honorary Royalty Nick Velazquez and Stephanie Bermeo on Oct. 7 in Suriano Stadium, where West Orange took on rival East Orange in the Homecoming Game.

The revamped gender-neutral, non-binary selection process was voted on last year by West Orange staff and students to be more inclusive of the diverse student body and allow all students to participate, appreciate and respect differences according to gender.

Organized by Assistant Principal Liz Veneziano, the Athletic Department, and the Class of 2023 advisors, the brief ceremony on the field recognized the Homecoming Court prior to the announcement of this year’s Royalty.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Lauren Schoen, Board of Education President Jenn Tunnicliffe, Principal Hayden Moore, incoming WOHS Principal Oscar Guerrero, and Acting Athletic Director Stephan Zichella were on the field to congratulate the court as announcements were made.

Homecoming Court Nominees and Escorts

Cara Baluzy – Crowned Homecoming Royalty

(Escort – Jared Charles)

Shane Donagher – Crowned Homecoming Royalty

(Escort – Brynn Sanner)

Estefani Bermeo – Honorary Homecoming Royalty

Nick Velazquez – Honorary Homecoming Royalty

Maura Baker

(Escort – Nia Caesar)

Charley Dvorin

(Escort – Micah Pryor)

Mason Bashkoff

(Escort – Lillian Rintzler)

Saboor Karriem

(Escort – Anaya Karriem)

“We are so proud of our graduating seniors and our Homecoming Court,” said Principal Hayden Moore.

“These students are respected by staff and students alike; they exhibit outstanding character, school participation, and foster scholarship, leadership, and unity. They are true Mountaineers.”

SEE ALL THE PHOTOS FROM HOMECOMING HERE. (Individual photos in link provide more info.)

Interim Superintendent Dr. Lauen Schoen and BOE President Jenn Tunnicliffe (front row, center) with Principal Hayden Moore and incoming WOHS Principal Oscar Guerrero (right) and Homecoming Court.

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