Homecoming always generates a buzz, especially in small towns. There’s the big football game, the homecoming floats, and of course, the students selected to the Homecoming Court.
A few weeks ago, eCoronado.com learned that CHS senior, Charlotte Voitzwinkler, was selected as a princess and that this young woman was incredibly deserving of this honor.
Not only did her classmates vote her Homecoming Queen, but the Coronado community supported and cheered her on during the entire build up and exploded with pride as she was crowned during halftime. Everyone stood on their feet, applauded and shouted their support for Charlotte. It was a very touching moment.
This is why we love small towns and especially why we admire the students at Coronado High School who made it happen.
eCoronado.com interviewed Charlotte’s sister, Allie Gordon, and her mother Mary Ann Voitzwinkler, to tell Charlotte’s story and especially share their thanks with all of Coronado.
What is Charlotte’s Coronado story?
Charlotte was born and raised in Coronado. She has attended Coronado schools since kindergarden and will be graduating in 2016. Charlotte has many special interests including choir, dance, gymnastics and swimming.
How has her experience at CHS been for classes, teachers and friends?
Charlotte has had an incredibly memorable experience as an Islander. From freshman year to her impending graduation she has been active in many school functions. Charlotte’s peers and teachers have worked diligently to facilitate a warm, and welcoming environment. Charlotte has developed into a mature, confident young lady.
What was your reaction to Charlotte being nominated?
Our family was ecstatic for the nomination that Charlotte received for homecoming queen. We were surprised but felt that she was very deserving of the recognition, and attention. Charlotte is a well known resident of Coronado and brings smiles and joy to many people in the community, as well her high school.
You asked the Coronado community if anyone could help with her hair and makeup for the event? What was the response from the community?
When I reached out to the popular Facebook group “Coronado Happenings” for someone to help out with Charlotte’s hair and makeup styling I assumed I would receive some feedback. I had no idea that Charlotte knew SO many people and that there would be so many members of the community who would jump on the opportunity to assist in preparing her for the big day. We received complimentary offers from local salons, as well as individuals willing to offer their professional hair and makeup services. We eventually decided to have an old friend of Charlotte’s assistant with her hair and makeup. Brittany Withouski at Salon de Ville did an amazing job preparing Charlotte for the parade as well as the coronation at the football field.
We saw the dance video and it looked magical. Can you share your feelings and Charlotte’s feelings about her prince Lucas Darquea? We’ve met him before and he seems like an amazing person to paired up with Charlotte.
The dance video that is circulating Facebook is absolutely heartwarming! Lucas was a great partner for Charlotte and his extraordinary personality was evident in their beautiful dance routine. Thank you Lucas for working with Charlotte during homecoming week.
Tell us about the big moment at the Homecoming game when they walked down the “tunnel of swords.”
Seeing Charlotte walking down the tunnel of swords was very exciting. There were many people cheering for her. Hearing the crowd go wild when they called her name gave us goosebumps. She was so proud and honored to be included with such a fine group of students. Charlotte’s older brother, Stephane Voitzwinkler (CHS class of 2012) was her escort that night, and he was so happy to be part of her wonderful, magical evening.
Can you ask Charlotte what was going through her head just before and just after hearing that she was the 2015 CHS Homecoming Queen?
Charlotte was just wondering with everyone else, who would be named the homecoming king and queen, and she was briefly stunned when her name was called.
What would Charlotte and her family want the community to know about all the support and positive attention?
Our family would like to thank Coronado and Coronado High School for all the support, kindness and love that they have shown Charlotte. She has spent many of her formative years participating in the Coronado Recreation Department programs, these programs were invaluable to her development and confidence.
She has been included in general classes all her years at Coronado Unified School District, she has had dedicated speech and occupational therapists, adaptive physical education teachers, and last but not least, her special education, general education teachers and administrators have gone above and beyond to teach Charlotte and show her respect and help her be the very best she can be. I know that they truly care about her and love her, which makes us very grateful.
Charlotte was diagnosed with Diabetes type 1 in 2013, and I would to thank her nurses at Coronado High School, who are so dedicated to help Charlotte with her medical needs, and looking out for her interests.
Coronado High School students have been so supportive and gracious to Charlotte through the whole process of choosing a Homecoming Queen. I think they all were sincerely joyful that Charlotte is the 2015 Coronado Homecoming Queen. The outpouring of well wishes, and congratulations has been truly over-whelming. Just talking a walk up town, people pull over and tell Charlotte congratulations, which really makes her happy. It was just wonderful to see all students huddle around Charlotte and hug her and take pictures. We could not ask for better friends to surround Charlotte on this special evening.
In closing, I would like to add that when Charlotte was born 18 years ago, I have to admit, I was so sad and incredibly apprehensive about her future. I knew virtually nothing about people with Down Syndrome. However, as Charlotte started to grow and develop, I realized she was very smart and I loved helping her with her development. I know it sounds cliche, but Charlotte really is a gift to our family. From her dance and gymnastic routines, to the beautiful artwork she produces, her prowess in swimming, and her sassy and funny personality, I want everyone to know that Charlotte is a special girl who lives in a special town, and is bound to do special things in her life.
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Many thanks to Charlotte’s mother, Mary Ann Voitzwinkler and her sister, Allie Gordon, for sharing their words and photos with eCoronado.com. We are honored to have Charlotte and your family as residents of Coronado. Congratulations to all of you and especially our 2015 Homecoming Queen!
