Passing the Torch

By Gary Woronchak

When members of the Edsel Ford High School Class of 1973 gathered at the school’s Homecoming football game on Oct. 11 during their 40-year reunion, they were surprised at halftime when their own homecoming queen participated in the ceremony to crown Edsel Ford’s 2013 recipient.

Leslie Hill, who was Leslie Hamm when she was selected as the Class of 1973’s queen, was among those gathering for the reunion weekend. When Edsel Ford Athletic Director Robert Picano learned she would be joining her classmates at the game, he asked her to be a part of this year’s festivities.

Alumni also enjoyed a tour of their alma mater and then settled into a section of the bleachers to watch the school’s football game against Dearborn High School. They were acknowledged by the game announcer after the first quarter, but most were unaware that they would be a bigger part of the evening at halftime, with Hill representing her class in the traditional crowning of the new queen.

After members of the 2013 Homecoming Court were introduced, Hill joined Principal Scott Casebolt and last year’s queen, Morgan Potter, to crown this year’s queen, Courtney Dodge.

Now a resident of Texas, Hill was among the more than 100 Class of 1973 members who also gathered at Dearborn Hills Golf Club the Saturday after the homecoming game for a reunion dinner.

Classmates came from 15 states and Ontario for their 40-year milestone celebration. The reunion weekend concluded Sunday with a class golf outing at Dearborn Hills.