Minerva High School to Crown 2025 Homecoming Royalty Friday 👑
Minerva High School is ready to light up the night as it prepares to crown its 2025 Homecoming King and Queen on Friday, September 26th, before the Lions' football game against West Branch. The excitement is building with this year's theme: "Neon Nights." The festivities will kick off earlier in the day with a traditional homecoming assembly for the student body.
Meet the Distinguished 2025 Fall Homecoming Court
This year's homecoming court features an impressive group of seniors, each showcasing dedication to academics, athletics, and community involvement.
The Queen Candidates include five outstanding young women:
Miss Ariana Drake is the daughter of Richard and Lisa Bernardi. Ariana is active in the Marching Band and Chamber Choir. She attends the Damascus Friends Church and enjoys reading and nature walks. She plans to pursue a degree in Integrated Arts at Kent State University.
Miss Emily Lautzenheiser, daughter of Keith and DeeDee Lautzenheiser, is a whirlwind of activity at MHS, holding titles such as Pep Club President and Senior Class Secretary. She is involved in Cheerleading, the National Honor Society, and SADD, and plans to pursue a degree in Dietetics and Nutrition at the University of Miami or Bowling Green University.
Miss Kyleigh Lippincott, daughter of Ryan and Sara Lippincott, balances three sports (Soccer, Basketball, and Track) with membership in the National Honor Society and Student Council. She plans to continue her academic and athletic career at the collegiate level, pursuing a degree in Exercise Science.
Miss Macy Stowe, daughter of Danny and Jessica Stowe, serves as the Senior Class Treasurer and is active in the Youth Leadership Academy and National Honor Society. Macy plans to attend college to study Environmental Science or Biomedical Engineering.
Finally, Miss Rachel Weaver, daughter of Matthew & Amy Weaver, is the current FFA President and a member of the Soccer, Wrestling, and Softball teams. Rachel plans to continue her softball career at the collegiate level while majoring in Secondary Mathematics Education.
The King Candidates are equally distinguished:
Mr. David Bryan, son of Jack and Heather Bryan, is the Debate Club President and Senior Class Vice President, heavily involved in MHS music groups (Marching, Concert, Steel Drum, and Jazz Bands). David plans to major in Cyber Security and Criminal Justice at The University of Mount Union.
Mr. Julian Elliott, son of Joshua and Jessica Elliott, is the Drum Major of the Marching Band and Vice President of the National Honor Society. He is active in Cross Country and the Lion News Network. Julian plans to enlist in the National Guard or Air National Guard after graduation.
Mr. Rowen Hoffee, son of Mike and Angie Hoffee, is a member of the Cross Country, Track, and Basketball teams and serves as the National Honor Society Secretary. Rowen plans to attend college to continue his running career.
Mr. Nate Linkous, son of Chad and Maggie Linkous, is a member of the Football and Track teams and the Little Lion/Big Lion Mentorship Program. Nate plans to attend college and major in teaching.
And Mr. Braydon Wood, son of Mike and Brooke Wood, rounds out the court. He is active in Golf, Basketball, and Baseball, and serves as the treasurer of the National Honor Society. Braydon plans to continue playing baseball at the collegiate level while pursuing a degree in Architectural Engineering.
The Minerva community congratulates the entire court and looks forward to a night of football and celebration. Go Lions! 🦁🏈
Minerva High School is ready to light up the night as it prepares to crown its 2025 Homecoming King and Queen on Friday, September 26th, before the Lions' football game against West Branch. The excitement is building with this year's theme: "Neon Nights." The festivities will kick off earlier in the day with a traditional homecoming assembly for the student body.
Meet the Distinguished 2025 Fall Homecoming Court
This year's homecoming court features an impressive group of seniors, each showcasing dedication to academics, athletics, and community involvement.
The Queen Candidates include five outstanding young women:
Miss Ariana Drake is the daughter of Richard and Lisa Bernardi. Ariana is active in the Marching Band and Chamber Choir. She attends the Damascus Friends Church and enjoys reading and nature walks. She plans to pursue a degree in Integrated Arts at Kent State University.
Miss Emily Lautzenheiser, daughter of Keith and DeeDee Lautzenheiser, is a whirlwind of activity at MHS, holding titles such as Pep Club President and Senior Class Secretary. She is involved in Cheerleading, the National Honor Society, and SADD, and plans to pursue a degree in Dietetics and Nutrition at the University of Miami or Bowling Green University.
Miss Kyleigh Lippincott, daughter of Ryan and Sara Lippincott, balances three sports (Soccer, Basketball, and Track) with membership in the National Honor Society and Student Council. She plans to continue her academic and athletic career at the collegiate level, pursuing a degree in Exercise Science.
Miss Macy Stowe, daughter of Danny and Jessica Stowe, serves as the Senior Class Treasurer and is active in the Youth Leadership Academy and National Honor Society. Macy plans to attend college to study Environmental Science or Biomedical Engineering.
Finally, Miss Rachel Weaver, daughter of Matthew & Amy Weaver, is the current FFA President and a member of the Soccer, Wrestling, and Softball teams. Rachel plans to continue her softball career at the collegiate level while majoring in Secondary Mathematics Education.
The King Candidates are equally distinguished:
Mr. David Bryan, son of Jack and Heather Bryan, is the Debate Club President and Senior Class Vice President, heavily involved in MHS music groups (Marching, Concert, Steel Drum, and Jazz Bands). David plans to major in Cyber Security and Criminal Justice at The University of Mount Union.
Mr. Julian Elliott, son of Joshua and Jessica Elliott, is the Drum Major of the Marching Band and Vice President of the National Honor Society. He is active in Cross Country and the Lion News Network. Julian plans to enlist in the National Guard or Air National Guard after graduation.
Mr. Rowen Hoffee, son of Mike and Angie Hoffee, is a member of the Cross Country, Track, and Basketball teams and serves as the National Honor Society Secretary. Rowen plans to attend college to continue his running career.
Mr. Nate Linkous, son of Chad and Maggie Linkous, is a member of the Football and Track teams and the Little Lion/Big Lion Mentorship Program. Nate plans to attend college and major in teaching.
And Mr. Braydon Wood, son of Mike and Brooke Wood, rounds out the court. He is active in Golf, Basketball, and Baseball, and serves as the treasurer of the National Honor Society. Braydon plans to continue playing baseball at the collegiate level while pursuing a degree in Architectural Engineering.
The Minerva community congratulates the entire court and looks forward to a night of football and celebration. Go Lions! 🦁🏈

Lions Fans!
We are expecting a sold out crowd on Friday, September 26, 2025 as your Minerva Lions host the West Branch Warriors.
Here is some useful information for the game.
We will have a limited number of Reserved Seats available (on the 50 yard line) for purchase at the HOME SIDE TICKET BOOTH (scoreboard end) on game night. The cost of the reserved seat tickets will be $10/ticket.
If you have a pass we respectfully request you use the ramp ticket gate (by the Aux) to help alleviate the lines at the ticket booth.
EBC Ticket Prices for Varsity events are $8.00/adults & $5.00/students.
Please remember that backpacks, large bags and pets are not allowed in the stadium.
As well as watching the football game, the cheerleaders and the band we will be celebrating our Homecoming starting at approximately 6:30 PM.
Come early and GO LIONS!
Unleash the Beast!!!
We are expecting a sold out crowd on Friday, September 26, 2025 as your Minerva Lions host the West Branch Warriors.
Here is some useful information for the game.
We will have a limited number of Reserved Seats available (on the 50 yard line) for purchase at the HOME SIDE TICKET BOOTH (scoreboard end) on game night. The cost of the reserved seat tickets will be $10/ticket.
If you have a pass we respectfully request you use the ramp ticket gate (by the Aux) to help alleviate the lines at the ticket booth.
EBC Ticket Prices for Varsity events are $8.00/adults & $5.00/students.
Please remember that backpacks, large bags and pets are not allowed in the stadium.
As well as watching the football game, the cheerleaders and the band we will be celebrating our Homecoming starting at approximately 6:30 PM.
Come early and GO LIONS!
Unleash the Beast!!!

🏈 Game Preview: Minerva Lions vs. West Branch 🏈
Both teams come into Friday’s Homecoming matchup at 4-1, setting the stage for a huge showdown at Dr. Robert Hines Stadium!
✨ What to Watch:
The Lions look to earn their first win over West Branch since 2019 and keep building on one of their best starts in many years.
🔥 Lions to Watch:
• Timmy Kirkpatrick has been a force in the wing-T, already rushing for 651 yards this season.
• Nate Linkous adds balance with 464 rushing yards, giving Minerva a tough 1-2 punch.
• Ethan Weaver has become a go-to option in short-yardage situations, punching in 3 touchdowns so far.
📊 The Challenge:
West Branch will lean on playmaker Jeremiah Thomas and Toledo recruit Gavin Gregory.
👉 Come out, pack the stands, and cheer on your Lions as they battle for a Homecoming victory!
#MinervaPride 🦁 Go Lions!

🏐 Win #9! 🦁
The Minerva Girls Volleyball Team defeats Malvern 3-0! Next up— we host Alliance tonight! Come out and support the Lions! #MinervaPride ❤️
📸 Photos by Jordan Miller News



The Pride of Minerva! 🎶✨
Amazing turnout tonight for the MHS Band Glow Show! Incredible performances, school spirit, and community pride on full display. 🦁
⭐️ Gold Star MHS Band!
Go Lions! #MinervaPride




🚨 Big Win Alert! 🚨
The Minerva Varsity Volleyball Team defeats an outstanding Indian Valley program in three straight sets! 🏐🔥
Set Scores:
▪️ Set 2: 29–27 Lions
▪️ Set 3: 25–11 Lions
The Lady Lions are building strong momentum and playing TEAM volleyball! 💪🦁
Next Up:
📍 at Malvern – Monday
📍 Home vs. Alliance – Tuesday
Go Lions! ❤️ #MinervaPride


⚽️ The Minerva Lions Boys Soccer Team battled to a hard-fought 1–1 tie against Southeast! 🦁🔥
Scoring Recap:
⚽️ Goal – Austin Arnoto
🎯 Assist – Beau Keen
🧤 Saves – Talan Murphy -7
Great effort Lions! 💪 #MinervaPride

🏃♂️🏃♀️ The Long Red Line Does It Again!
Both the Minerva Varsity Boys & Girls Cross Country Teams dominated the Large School Races at the Sandy Valley Invitational, each bringing home 1st Place Championships! 🏆🔥
Boys Top 5 Finishers
🔴 Scott – 2nd
🔴 Hoffee – 4th
🔴 Fetty – 6th
🔴 Yoder – 7th
🔴 Johnson – 13th
Girls Top 5 Finishers
🔴 Beavers – 2nd
🔴 Richard – 3rd
🔴 Galley – 7th
🔴 Lupshu – 10th
🔴 Keyser – 11th
The Lady Lions are currently ranked #1 in Ohio in the latest State Coaches Poll, while the Boys are holding strong at #6 in the state! 💪🦁
#MinervaPride


🐶 Principal Mangun and his furry friend Bernie are bringing the Minerva Running Lions some good luck at Cross Country today! 🦁🏃♂️🐾 Go Lions! #MinervaPride

Athletic Events 9/22/25 to 9/27/25
Unleash the Beast!!!
Unleash the Beast!!!

🎶✨ The Minerva Pride Band Glow Show ✨🎶
Tonight at 8:30 PM! 🌙💡
Don’t miss this awesome performance — see you there! #MinervaPride

🏈 The Minerva Lions have won four in a row! 🦁
A dominant run game, tough defense, and contributions from the entire roster powered a 31-0 victory over St. Thomas! Coach Slates and the Lions are currently ranked as the most improved team in Ohio.
Next up: Homecoming vs. West Branch! 🎉🔥
Go Lions! #MinervaPride
Photo Credit Jordan Miller News





Once again, the Lion Faithful showed up big on the road at St. Thomas—bringing amazing energy and school pride! ⭐️👏
Shoutout to the MHS Cheerleaders, Pride of Minerva Band, student section, and fans for the incredible support. We appreciate you!
Go Lions! 🦁 #MinervaPride






Minerva Vs St. Thomas Game Preview 🦁🏈
The Minerva Lions (3-1) are off to their best start since 2013 and riding their first three-game winning streak since 2011 under Head Coach Zach Slates. The high-powered Lion rushing attack has been tough to stop—Timmy Kirkpatrick has piled up 583 yards on the ground this season, while Nate Linkous has added 357 over the last three weeks.
Minerva faces St. Thomas Aquinas (0-4) for the second straight year after earning a 16-7 victory in last season’s matchup.
Go Lions! #MinervaPride

🦁 🎶 Here’s the link to the video of the Minerva High School Chamber Choir's outstanding performing the National Anthem:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y4OUbanYWgdvqCo1-VgyJ-peVMLN3Pb4/view?usp=drive_link

🔔: Check out the September 19 edition of Lions News Network! 🦁 Highlights include the latest updates, game previews, and all the Lions’ action you need to start your week strong. 🎯
📺 Watch & stay in the know → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rm4qK7NtZTY
#MinervaPride
📺 Watch & stay in the know → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rm4qK7NtZTY
#MinervaPride

Minerva Varsity Girls Volleyball 🏐 battled hard but fell 3-1 to a strong Marlington team.
Great effort, ladies—keep working hard! 💪 Go Lions! ❤️ #MinervaPride
📸: Jordan Miller News 🗞️



🎶🇺🇸 The Minerva Chamber Choir delivered a fantastic performance of the National Anthem at tonight’s MHS Volleyball game! Amazing job, Lions! 👏🦁 #MinervaPride

❤️ Our Wall of Positivity is shining bright at Minerva High School during Start with Hello Week!
Students and staff are sharing uplifting thoughts about school, friends, and life—spreading kindness and encouragement all around! 😁
Great job, MHS Lions—we’re so proud of you! 🦁❤️ #MinervaPride

Dear Minerva Local Families,
As part of our ongoing commitment to student safety, Minerva High School and Middle School students were recently trained on the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (Say Something ARS). We want to ensure that all community members are aware of this valuable resource and are encouraged to use it to report any concerns.
The Say Something ARS is a crucial tool that allows students in grades 4-12 to privately and safely share concerns about safety threats or a classmate at risk of self-harm. By taking action when warning signs are observed, we can provide intervention and assistance before a crisis occurs.
You can submit a tip anonymously through multiple reporting options:
Mobile App
Text- Tip to 79775
Phone Hotline- 1-844-572-9669
Website: Use the direct link below, or find it on the Minerva Local Schools website.
Say Something Reporting Link:
https://www.p3campus.com/tipform.aspx?ID=3000&HF=1&Logo=0&X=1&H=0
Maintaining the safety of our school community depends on timely information. Thank you for helping keep Minerva Local Safe- Go Lions!
Sincerely,
Mark Scott
Superintendent- Minerva Local Schools
Minerva Local Schools Website: https://www.mlsd.sparcc.org/
As part of our ongoing commitment to student safety, Minerva High School and Middle School students were recently trained on the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (Say Something ARS). We want to ensure that all community members are aware of this valuable resource and are encouraged to use it to report any concerns.
The Say Something ARS is a crucial tool that allows students in grades 4-12 to privately and safely share concerns about safety threats or a classmate at risk of self-harm. By taking action when warning signs are observed, we can provide intervention and assistance before a crisis occurs.
You can submit a tip anonymously through multiple reporting options:
Mobile App
Text- Tip to 79775
Phone Hotline- 1-844-572-9669
Website: Use the direct link below, or find it on the Minerva Local Schools website.
Say Something Reporting Link:
https://www.p3campus.com/tipform.aspx?ID=3000&HF=1&Logo=0&X=1&H=0
Maintaining the safety of our school community depends on timely information. Thank you for helping keep Minerva Local Safe- Go Lions!
Sincerely,
Mark Scott
Superintendent- Minerva Local Schools
Minerva Local Schools Website: https://www.mlsd.sparcc.org/

