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Emma Allred was named Jemison’s 2018 homecoming queen during a ceremony prior to the Panthers’ football game against Montevallo on Sept. 14.

In many ways, Allred’s selection of homecoming queen is something of an underdog story.

The fact that she was chosen among her peers and fellow students is something that she is proud of.

“It makes me feel like they really like me for who I am,” Allred said.

The votes she received are an example of the person that she is.

Although it is easy at times for high school students to remain with the group of people that they feel most comfortable with, Allred made sure to branch out.

By showing a willingness to embrace change, she was able to interact with different people and forge lasting relationships along the way.

“I believe that you don’t have to be ‘popular’ to have the popular vote anymore,” Allred said. “If you venture out and talk to everyone, you end up building those real relationships.”

Those relationships and that support came to the forefront during the voting process for homecoming queen.

The entire school votes for representatives from the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior classes. An overall winner is then chosen from the homecoming court.

Allred was chosen for the first time last year as a junior representative.

She is a member of the school dance team and is part of several clubs.

“It just makes this year even a little more special,” Allred said.