Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SOUTH WHITLEY – Whitko Wildcats and guests enjoyed homecoming ceremonies during the Friday Whitko v. Lewis Cass football game.
During halftime, students who had been chosen by their peers to represent Whitko High School on this year’s homecoming court were introduced. Senior Madison Miner was named the 2026 homecoming queen and senior Chase Marshall the homecoming king. Kate Long was named the homecoming princess and Anthony Little homecoming prince, both representing the sophomore class, according to a news release from Whitko Community Schools.
The following students represented their respective grade level:
Representing the freshman class:
• Sydney Napier, daughter of Brent and Robin Napier. Sydney plays basketball and softball, and she is a member of 4-H, HANDS and FFA.
• Chaise Thomas, son of Jason and Danielle Thomas. Chaise plays basketball and golf.
• Mya Sordelet, daughter of Matt and Manda Sordelet. Mya is involved with motocross, volleyball and track.
• Jay Brown, son of Neal and Katie Brown. Jay is involved with tennis, basketball, Student Council, 4-H and his church youth group.
Representing the sophomore class:
• Kate Long, daughter of Matt and Jessica Long. Kate plays volleyball and tennis. She is also a National Honor Society officer, and member of Sunshine Society, student council, Peacekeepers and 4-H.
• Anthony Little, son of Tony Little and Ashley Little. Anthony plays basketball and baseball.
• Marissa Rueda, daughter of Roger and Alex Rueda. Marissa is a cheerleader.
• Anthony Rubalcaba, son of Matthew and Teodora Rubalcaba. Anthony is a member of the wrestling and track and field teams.
Representing the junior class:
• Kyra Aderman, daughter of Kiel and Sarah Aderman. Kyra plays volleyball and runs track.
• Jhett Ocken, son of Jay and Lyn Ocken. Jhett is a National Honor Society officer and also participates in Peacekeepers and 4-H.
• Makaela Shoue, daughter of William and Sable Shoue. Makaela is a member of the volleyball team.
• Hunter Long, son of Andy and Cali Long. Hunter plays baseball and basketball.
Representing the senior class:
• Daelyn Kirkdorffer, daughter of Ryan and Danielle Kirkdorffer. Daelyn is a cheerleader and baseball manager. She is also involved in Peacekeepers and 4-H.
• Crew Ebbinghouse is the son of Chad and Jenniffer Ebbinghouse. Crew plays football, basketball and baseball.
• Soren Branning is the daughter of Jason Branning and Stefanie Branning. Soren is the student council president and manages football and girls basketball. She is also a member of SADD, Sunshine Society and Peacekeepers.
• Daton Day, son of Derrick and Dana Day. Daton is involved in basketball and baseball.
• Madison Miner, daughter of Justin Miner and Tracey Miner. Madison is a student council officer and a member of HOSA.
• Chase Marshall, son of Dylan Marshall and Briana Marshall. Chase is a member of the tennis team and HOSA.
Friday night’s homecoming football game was part of a week filled with school spirit, Wildcat pride and homecoming traditions. The celebration continued Saturday evening as students gathered for the homecoming dance, bringing the week’s festivities to a close.
