Faribault Homecoming Parade Not Going Downtown
The Faribault High School Homecoming Parade will not be going in the downtown area this year. Principal Jamie Bente announced the parade will leave the high school and go south down 9th Avenue to Jefferson Elementary. It will go down 9th Street to Prairie Avenue and go north to South Central College.
Grand Marshals this year are Ruth and Lyle Olson. The couple taught in the school district for a combined 91 years while living in the district for 50 years. Their son graduated in 1987 and a daughter in 1989.
Ruth was an assistant coach in gymnastics when Faribault qualified for the first state tournament held in the early 70's. She was a teacher, secretary, paraprofessional and served in other roles throughout the district. Ruth also ran the scoreboard for wrestling meets for 40 years.
Lyle taught social studies, sociology, economics, government, world history and U.S. history, working primarily at Faribault High School. Occasionally at the junior high during his 30 years as a full-time teacher.
The Olsons both retired in 1999 but their desire to help students kept them coming back. They spent the next twenty years serving as substitute teachers in the district before stepping away this year.
This year's Homecoming Queen is Gabrielle Hollund the daughter of Chris Hollund. She is active in cross country, gymnastics, track and field where she is captain, Chris is also involved in DECA, science team, is student council treasurer. She volunteers with Big Brothers, Big Sisters and works at Arby's. Gabrielle is interested in astronomy. UIpon graduation she wants to attend a four year college to study business and science.
Homecoming King Luke Leppert is the son of Jennifer and "the late" Michael Leppert. Luke is active in trap shooting, serves as a captain for soccer and tennis. He is vice president of student council. Luke enjoys hunting, fishing, boating, snowmobiling and skiing. He works at ABR Sand and Gravel and River City Refrigeration. Future plans are to attend a technical college after high school.
The remaining members of the 2019 FHS Homecoming Court are:
Becky LaCanne, daughter of John and Barbara LaCanne. Becky is active in theatre, is secretary of the FHS Theatre Committee. Becky enjoys working on the sound team at The River Church, watching movies, reading plays and spending time with friends and family. She works at Burkhartzmeyer Shoes. Plans including going to Augustana or St. Catherine University to study sign language interpreting.
Tran Nguyen is the daughter of Hien Nguyen and Tuan Trong. Tran is active in cross country, track and field, honor society, student council, PSEO, link crew, DECA, Chamber Orchestra. She also volunteers as a peer tutor at FHS. Trang enjoys running, volunteering, and working at Hy-Vee bakery. She wants to attend a four year university after graduating from Faribault High School.
Madelyn Skjeveland is the daughter of Matt and Diane Skjeveland. Madelyn is active in Minnesota honor society, student council and science team. She is in cross country, track and field, is captain of the cross country team. Madelyn enjoys playing with her dogs, spending tiem with her sisters, traveling, taking pictures. Currently she works at Muddy Paws. After high school she plans on attending a four year university.
Chau Truong is the daughter of Tung Truong and Liem Duong. Chau is involved in student council, girls tennis, link crew, STOPS, chamber orchestra, CIT, boys tennis and pit orchestra. She is captain in girls tennis, math team and science team, is president of the honor society and is the President of the Senior Class. Chau enjoys being with family and friends and works with her family business, also is a youth tennis coach for Faribault Parks and Rec. She works at Straight River Farm. After graduation Chau plans to attend a private liberal arts college where she will major in physics, obtain a PHD and become a college professor.
Tyler Ta is the son of Kyle and Tiffany Ta. He is active in cross country and track and field. Tyler enjoys playing basketball, hanging out with friends, going to the gym. After high school he plans on going to a four year college, possible University of Minnesota-Duluth or Minnesota State University in Mankato.
Bryce Nolen is the son of Derrick and Jennifer Ungaro. He is a member of the football team where he is a captain, wrestling, track, link crew and DECA. He also volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters and enjoys being with friends and family. Bryce works at Arby's. After high school he plans to attend college.
Evan Larson is the son of Bryan and Kim Larson. Evan is in football and basketball. He enjoys hanging out with friends. After graduation he plans to attend University of Minnesota Duluth.
Nick Flom is the son of Kyle and Sara Flom. Nick is in football and is a captain. He is also in basketball. Nick is a member of 4H and enjoys showing sheep. Upon graduation Nick plans to attend a four year college.
Monday night the King and Queen were announced. Thursday the captains of fall sports, cheerleaders and homecoming court were joined by the pep band in visiting the elementary schools and McKinley Early Childhood Center. They also visited STEM school and the middle school to help spread the homecoming spirit. A pep fest is scheduled before the parade.
The Homecoming Parade begins at 2:00 p.m. Parking is available at the High School and Jefferson Elementary. Officials do request you stay on the sidewalk side of the street to watch the parade.
The Homecoming football game Friday night against Mankato East will be broadcast on KDHL Radio, 920 AM and worldwide on the FREE KDHL app. Chappuis Jewelers of Faribault is sponsoring interviews with the King and Queen during halftime of our broadcast. The broadcast starts at 6:45 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. kickoff