Thursday, March 28, 2024

Queen excited about sharing stage with band

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 The roar for the 2021 Gatesville High School homecoming coronation will stick with Jozy Jackson and Evan Hanson for a long time.

“It was exciting to hear the band cheer us like that,’’ said 18-year-old Jackson. I’ll always remember it.’’

Jackson, a percussionist since the sixth grade, said being crowned Friday at halftime was extra special because of emotions and sharing the moment with her friends.

The King was senior lineman Hanson, who happens to be her boyfriend.

“Jackson got to lead the band Friday as drum major, a role she has taken over as a senior. The post football game celebration by the band was stirring. It was a fitting end to a big week.

Gatesville athletic director Rickey Phillips said homecoming is always special.

“As a graduate of Gatesville High School, there's just something special about Homecoming Week, always has been,’’ he said. “.  Administrators, teachers and sponsors put so much planning and organization into all of the festivities...campus decorations and celebrations, bonfire, travelling pep rally to each campus, main pep rally, football game, halftime coronation, class reunions.  Then students of all ages, parents, exes and community members get to enjoy all the pageantry.  It makes for a long and sometimes hectic week, but it's worth it.’’

Jackson has grown up in Gatesville and plans to stay close to her roots when she goes to Tarleton State University in Stephenville.

“I want to be a nurse practitioner,’’ she said.

She said if there is anything she’d like to change about life as a Gatesville teen-ager in 2021 it’s “less arguing, people like to argue too much.’’

Hanson said he’s grateful for the support he and Jozy received.

“I’m excited about it,’’ said Hanson, a three-year starter in football. “It was good to see the support we got from the community and the school. I’d like to think that I’m somebody that’s easy to get along with. It’s okay being good to people.’’