Last week was a good one for Ricky Rivera. On Wednesday, the Long County High School senior signed to play football for Savannah State University. The night before, he was crowned 2009 homecoming king.

Rivera, who was escorted by his mother, Pat Childress, is also a member of the basketball team, baseball team and track team. He is a Special Olympics volunteer, and was voted Mr. Senior by his class. While at SSU, Rivera plans to earn his degree in physical therapy.

2008 king Gary Nakles, escorted by 2009 homecoming queen Heather Reddish, crowned Rivera.

The junior prince was Jake Durham, son of Tony and Patricia Durham. The junior was escorted by Kelly Long. Durham plays football and baseball for the Blue Tide, and upon graduation he plans to pursue a degree in sports medicine. Durham also hopes to play football at the college level.

The sophomore prince was Dante Wright, son of Dante and Donna Wright, and he was escorted by Rayza Pagan. Wright is a member of student council and the Tide football team. After graduation, he wants to open clothing business and becoming an entrepreneur.

The freshman prince was Gene James Middleton, son of Jay and Tina Middleton. He was escorted by Ryan Taylor Harrison. Middleton has won several world titles in karate. He plans to attend the University of Georgia to earn a master’s degree in business.

Other members of the 2009 homecoming court included Lee Bailey, Justin Lozo, Christopher Stock, Masson Tucker, Terry Cunningham, Lawrence Fordham, Tae Baker, Tyler Chambliss, Shane White and Stevie Harrison.

The 2009 master of ceremonies for was LCHS Assistant Principal Scotty Hattaway.