MIFFLINTOWN — It was a very happy homecoming at Juniata High School on Friday night at Dietrick Field in Mifflintown.

Alumni got a special treat as the hometown Indians rolled over Newport as Jasper Shepps scored five touchdowns — he scored six in 2024 against Susquenita.

And Juniata senior Emerson Freed was crowned as the 2025 homecoming queen at halftime. Homecoming queen candidates were selected by various extracurricular clubs to represent academics, arts, career and technical student organizations, athletics, service organizations and the senior class.

Freed is the daughter of Jake and Becky Freed, of Port Royal. She was selected by the service organizations: student council, SADD and Key Club. Her future plans are to attend a four-year college and study marine biology.

Freed’s school activities include student council, National Honor Society, track and field, soccer (captain) and yearbook club. Outside of school, she volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House in Hershey and with Cam’s Hand Foundation. Her escort was Conner Schlegel, son of Nathan and Valerie Schlegel, of Mifflintown.

The other senior candidates who were selected to be on the Homecoming court were:

Kalynn Brown, daughter of Clayton Brown, of Port Royal, and Kyla Whitesel, of Port Royal. Brown was chosen to represent FFA and HOSA. She plans to attend college to become a sonographer. Her activities include FFA, National Honor Society, student council, yearbook staff, softball and cheerleading. Outside of school, she volunteers with Helping Hands of Juniata County. Her escort was Zachary Miller, son of Lisa K. Miller and partner Angel Stover and grandson of John T. and Sandra K. Wagner, all of Mifflintown.

Miley Hack, daughter of Craig and Ashley Hack, of Port Royal. Hack was chosen by the fall athletic teams. She plans to attend a four-year college and major in wildlife biology. Her school activities include volleyball (captain), track and field, marching band majorette, student council, National Honor Society (treasurer), yearbook club, newspaper club, SADD, Scholastic J and Varsity J. Outside of school, Hack attends Faith Bible Church in Port Royal where she helps with youth church. She works at Tasty Cream during the summer. Her escort was Ryder Smith, son of Jeremy and Allison Smith, of Mifflintown.

Hope Kehler, daughter of Brett Kehler, of Port Royal, and Nicole Kehler, of Mifflintown. Kehler was chosen by the National Honor Society. She plans to go to college and major in biochemistry and molecular biology. Her school activities include National Honor Society (president), senior class (president), student council (publicist), yearbook club (editor), SADD, newspaper club, Varsity J, Scholastic J, volleyball and softball. Outside of school, Kehler is active at Locust Run Global Methodist Church where she teaches Bible school. Her escort was Arthur Hazard, son of George and Colleen Hazard, of Honey Grove.

Jacee Price, daughter of Gerred Price, of Port Royal, and Kala Smith, of Mifflintown. Price is the music, arts and yearbook staff representative. She plans to attend college and major in music education. Her school activities include marching band drum major, district chorus and a Capella, drama club, student council and National Honor Society. Her escort was Anthony Maradiaga, son of Mino Maradiaga and Yanira Lopez, of Honduras.

Addison Rutherford, daughter of James and Kelly Swartz, of Mifflin. Rutherford is the senior class representative. Her future plans are to attend a four-year college and major in forensic chemistry. Her school activities include senior class (secretary), student council (president), National Honor Society (vice president), SADD (president), newspaper club (editor), yearbook club, Key Club, Scholastic J, Varsity J, marching band majorette (captain), concert band, jazz band, drama club and softball. Rutherford is a 2024 Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) alumni. Outside of school, she works as a lifeguard at Central Juniata Park Pool. Her escort was Braedon Walton, grandson of Sandra Pines, of Mifflintown, and son of the late Tammy Pines.