San Manuel Homecoming 2025 Royalty are, from left, Gabriel Valenzuela, Ena Hafen, Taylor Decker, Hailey Brown, King Kevin Waddell, Queen Sienna Taylor, Matthew Anaya, Madelyn Richardson, Ethan Lozoya and Isabelle Taylor. Photo by Angelica Cuevas
San Manuel hosted its 2025 homecoming Friday, Sept. 19. The week was celebrated with the usual Spirit Week at school, the announcement of homecoming royalty, the homecoming bonfire, and the homecoming parade before the game. The Miners hosted the Hayden Lobos for this year’s game. The game started with the traditional burning of the M, lit and monitored by the San Manuel Fire Department. Ray Barney was the announcer of the game, giving it the homecoming spirit that was needed.
In attendance of the game were members of former San Manuel High School classes. The class of 2015 celebrated their 10-year class reunion; the class of 2005 celebrated their 20-year reunion; and the class of 1975 cerebrated their 50-year class reunion. During halftime the homecoming royalty was presented, followed by the class of 2005 and 2015 honoring members of their classes who were no longer with them, with a moment of silence, and the release of red and blue balloons.
Also in attendance was the 1975 homecoming queen, Taunja Blair Osborn, wearing her sash and tiara from her homecoming night 50 years ago.
“It’s unbelievable, I hadn’t really thought about it until I suddenly realized it’s been 50 years,” commented Taunja. “It seems crazy to me that 50 years ago I was here.”
Although it was a tough defeat, homecoming was still just that: a homecoming of former students, now grown and years removed from their time at SMHS, coming back to the red and blue Miner Pride reuniting with former classmates and teachers, remembering those who couldn’t be there. It’s about supporting the current students and athletes that will eventually turn into SMHS alumni, and making sure they create memories to tell at their homecoming reunions.