Homecoming Queen

Critically injured student named homecoming queen
1/15/2008

Nina Pierce a senior candidate for queen was escorted by senior Jordan Coffman (far right). Pierce accepted the crown on behalf of Jaque Hall, and plans have been made for her to present the crown to Hall in Little Rock. At left is Tanner Clark. (Photo courtesy of Ruth Kelly Studio)

In an unusual and moving event Friday night, a critically injured Haworth junior was named home-coming queen.

Jacque Hall was injured in a re-cent traffic accident and remains in the intensive care unit at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, Ark.

Standing in for Jacque Friday at the request of her parents was Ha-worth girls’ basketball and softball coach Amanda Rwynolds. She, along with Jacque’s German Shephard, Sassy, were escorted by senior Tanner Clark.

Nina Pierce, a senior candidate for queen, was escorted by senior Jordan Coffman and graciously accepted the crown on Jaque’s be-half. Plans have been made for her to present the crown to Jaque in Little Rock.

“I have announced many home-coming ceremonies, but I have never witnessed anything like this one,” said high school principal Craig Wall.

“The gym was eerily quiet through most of the ceremony, but you could feel the emotion. We have great kids here at Haworth, and they have really come together to support Jaque.

“I have never been more proud of Nina. The courage and maturity she showed in accepting the award for Jaque was just overwhelming. I know it was difficult for Tanner and for Jordan, too. They did a great thing for Jaque and for our school.”

Jaque’s relatives report that her room is full of stuffed animals, pictures, cards and posters that friends have sent. “Everyone comes in and checks out her room and can see how much she is loved. We so appreciate all the prayers and love everyone has shown her,” says her grandmother, Kay Ledbetter.

The address is Arkansas Chil-dren’s Hospital, 800 Marshall, Lit-tle Rock, Ark. 72202. The hospital will not allow flowers in her room. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Jaque Hall Fund.

Her email address is jaqueshomeplate8@yahoo.com

Her mother and father read each day’s emails to her at night before they go to bed.

“Even though Jaque is sedated, we believe that she is hearing us read to her because her blood pres-sure will go up,” her grandmother said.

“Jaque is quite a fighter and her strength is just unreal. Her neuro-surgeon can’t quite believe she is alive. Y’all keep praying for her and sending positive emails. They are helping.”