WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Oct. 16, 2021— West Liberty University students selected Autumn “Grace” Dodson and Parker Sherry, as Homecoming Queen and King 2021 at West Family Stadium today during a festive celebration that included tailgating, alumni gatherings and more.
The crowning ceremony took place at halftime during the 1 p.m. Homecoming football game against the Fairmont State Falcons.
The Hilltoppers came away with a big win in a hard-fought game that ended with a score of 52-31.
Dodson is from Colliers, W.Va. and represented Lambda Psi Sigma. Majoring in pre-veterinary biology, after graduation she plans to attend veterinary school or work toward obtaining a master’s in biology at West Liberty University. A senior, she is the daughter of Robert, Rhonda, and Wendy Dodson.
Sherry is from East Palestine, Ohio and represented the Hilltopper Football team. He plays quarterback and is a triple major in the Gary E. West College of Business, majoring in finance, marketing, and accounting. A junior, he is the son of Elizabeth and Zach Sherry.
Runners up were Sierra Aniballi of Greensburg, Pa., representing Housing and Residence Life and Joey Adams of Crooksville, Ohio, representing Kappa Delta Kappa.
Voting took place Friday online as the student body elected the winners from a slate of seven candidate couples.
A surprise marriage proposal took place just before the announcement of the Queen and King for 2021 as Jonathon Howard of Wheeling proposed to Hannah Jacobs of New Cumberland, W.Va.
Also honored at the Homecoming game were Wall of Honor alumni in attendance, Bill Beatty of Wheeling, A.J. Monseau of Morgantown, W.Va., Barb Laifer of Nashville, Tenn. and Carol Frum of Wheeling.
The game drew a crowd that enjoyed tailgating nearby in an area behind the ASRC. Food, music, Greek life and happy reunions were enjoyed on the overcast cool day.
Students end their homecoming festivities with a 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. dance at WLU’s Academic, Sports and Recreation Complex (ASRC).
Alumni will enjoy the after-game at two separate Homecoming Post Parties planned for 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at both the Alpha Tavern and the West Sports Bar at Stratford Springs.
Sunday concludes with an 11 a.m. Homecoming Brunch at the Alpha Tavern.
For more information, please visit westliberty.edu/alumni or call 304-336-8888.
View more images of Homecoming on social media including Facebook or check out the game replay on Topper Station (topperstation.com).