Emanuel, Minarick rule over NBC Homecoming Court

by Nathan Arneal
published 10/14/09

• Nobel Peace Prize, 2020 Olympics early goals of new administration

For a moment, it appeared as if North Bend Central’s reputation for seamless Homecoming power transitions was in jeopardy.

Connor Emanuel and Julia Minarick were crowned 2009 NBC Homecoming king and queen.

For what seemed like an eternity in the bone-chilling, frost-inducing air Friday night, 2008 Homecoming Queen Samantha Renter paced behind this year’s candidates, clutching the future king’s crown. Paced... and paced.

Would she dash off into the darkness, keeping the crown for herself? Would the Homecoming Court be catapulted into chaos? Could NBC withstand such a power struggle? Would United Nations inspectors be called in to keep the peace and oversee future elections?

Just as the Honor Guard agents were getting concerned, Renter placed the crown atop Connor Emanuel’s head. The power transition was complete, and all of District 595 breathed a sigh of relief.

Emanuel then briefly joined Queen Julia Minarick for a photo op before being whisked away to the royal ball being held in the school.

As Saturday dawned and the previous night’s inauguration party faded into history, Minarick and Emanuel were forced to survey the rocky political climate they had inherited from Renter and ‘08 King Danny Ahl. It was time to get down to business.

“I plan to actually accomplish something during my term,” Minarick said, “which will be much different from previous years. At least I will try... maybe.”

Gene Minarick proudly poses with his three granddaughters that were part of the Homecoming Court: Honor Guard Meri Gross-Rhode, Queen Julia Minarick and queen candidate Hannah Minarick.

With America mired in an economic slump, drastic action may have to be taken by the newly crowned couple. Emanuel was quick to point out, however, that he and Minarick should not be blamed for the current economic mess. They are simply dealing with the hand dealt them by the previous administration, he said.

Minarick was a little more magnanimous when it came to placing the blame for the economy.

“I don’t blame (Renter and Ahl),” she said. “I know they spent their money as often as possible to try to stimulate the economy.”

The apparent rift over the economy has pundits wondering how the new king and queen will share their considerable power.

“We haven’t really discussed it yet,” Minarick said, “but I’m sure he will let me have most of the control, and he will be there just for support.”
Emanuel did not entirely disagree with the Queen’s statement.

“I will have a good time getting to know my subjects,” he said. “I will be known as the fun-going king.”

In the wake of Chicago’s failed attempt to land the 2016 Olympics, Emanuel and Minarick are already working on their plans to bring the 2020 games to North Bend.

“I will build a brand new indoor stadium to house the world’s athletes,” Emanuel said. “I will also praise the small-town atmosphere that will sell North Bend to the Olympic Committee.”

Minarick was already arranging for the old Tower schoolhouse to host the track events and outfitting the city auditorium to host the gymnastics competition. She also thinks the Maple Creek would be a suitable venue for the swimming events with the addition of some bleachers on its banks.
Emanuel said he will make sure everyone stays happy and that he will always keep his subjects in mind during his rule, tactics he hopes will land him the Nobel Peace Prize.

Both the new monarchs hail from the rural territories outside the walls of North Bend. Minarick said the experience of living on a farm has served her well during her political career.

“It has taught me to work hard, be friendly and respectful, and that you can have as much fun in a sweatshirt and jeans as you can in a fancy dress and crown,” she said.

Queen Julia is the daughter of Jim and Ann Minarick. At NBC she participates in volleyball, basketball, student council, NB Club, Spanish Club, the student newspaper, Science Club and National Honor Society. Other queen candidates were Areill Hansen, Hannah Minarick, Jennifer Coe and Allison Foy.

King Connor is the son of Chris and Sherry Emanuel. He is involved in football, basketball, track, FFA, Science Club, and Spanish Club. Other king candidates were Tyler Going, Aaron Fredrickson, Brett Sellintin and Nathan Hanson.

The 2009 Honor Guard was Jake Walker, Meri Gross-Rhode, Jake Kroenke, Stephanie Settles, Wyatt Chapman, Natalie Treat, Oscar Orellana and Katy Reznicek.

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