Harlem homecoming queen was surprised to win the title

Harlem High School students voted Felicia Martinez their 2009 homecoming queen.

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Martinez, 17, was crowned during halftime of Friday's football game against Butler.

Martinez, who was escorted by her mother, Tamela, said the homecoming experience was fun, but she didn't expect to win.

"I actually expected Zidisha (Dambuza) to win," said Martinez, who plans to study cosmetology after graduation. "I was pretty stoked when I found out."

Dambuza, 17, the first runner-up, said she wasn't surprised that Martinez took the crown.

"I wanted her to win," said Dambuza, who was escorted by her father, Mumbuutoo.

Dambuza said she really enjoyed being on the homecoming court.

"It was really awesome," Dambuza said. "It being senior year and being on the homecoming court was really exciting."

Second runner-up Chandler Arnold, 17, was escorted by her father, Dale. She said she also enjoyed the homecoming experience.

"It was exciting," Arnold said. "It made my year."

Other homecoming candidates included Heather Coleman, Morgan Fulcher and Laura Mae Havens.

The senior class chose Zach Morris as the 2009 Homecoming King.