Lakeside shocks Morgan Pawl with distinction to wear crown

A voice in the stands rose above the din at Panther Stadium on Friday night to tell Morgan Maria Pawl she would be Lakeside High School's 2006 homecoming queen. Moments later, a much louder voice from the press box made it official.

The senior from Martinez trembled as Erin McClendis, Lakeside's 2005 homecoming queen, placed the tiara on her head and a bouquet of roses in her hand. Unlike the well-wisher in the crowd, Morgan said, she didn't know she was going to win.

"I thought I'd place, but I didn't think I'd win," she said. "(I feel) overwhelmed with emotions. It's really surreal."

Her father, Dr. Richard Pawl, her escort on the field, said that she was the first in the family to be crowned a homecoming queen and that he could not be prouder of his daughter.

"I think she treats everyone wonderfully and fairly and she receives it in return," he said. Morgan is a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Lakeside's student council, is on the varsity track team, was named Miss LHS for 2007 and crowned Miss Lakeside last year. The member of Stevens Creek Community Church plans to major in biology at Washington University in St. Louis.

Runner-up for homecoming queen was senior Dot Thompkins, who was escorted by her father, Tommy Butler. Dot is a member of Lakeside's drama club, Young Artists Repertory Theater and student council, and she volunteers at her church and plans to attend the Art Institute of Chicago for a degree in fashion design.

Second runner-up was senior Alison Evans, who was escorted by her father, Bob Evans. Alison, a cheerleader at Lakeside and with Haydens Gymnastics All Star Team, is a member of Interact Club and has participated with Habitat for Humanity and the Ronald McDonald House Charities. She is a member of Trinity-on-the-Hill Methodist Church and plans to study chemistry at the University of Georgia.