All Hail the Queen: Meet Medina Torres

On Oct. 17, 2025, Liz Medina Torres was crowned the 2025 Homecoming Queen with Samual Raymond as her escort! Medina Torres is a part of Beta Club, Interact Club, Culture Appreciation and Awareness Club, Executive Council, Color Guard/Marching Band, Random Acts of Kindness Club, Book and Breakfast, Spanish Club, Mu-Alpha Theta, and HOSA. Medina Torres is an aspiring nurse, she plans to attend Walters State Community College after she graduates to become a licensed Registered Nurse, then transferring to ETSU or UT to earn her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. But she also has great family plans, saying "I also know that one day I want to settle down, start a family, and stay in one place."

Samual Raymond and Liz Medina Torres

Samual Raymond and Liz Medina Torres

Medina Torres loves to run, hike, and photograph nature in Gatlinburg. She loves One Direction, specifically Harry Styles, saying "It’s not just the music (though that’s part of it); it’s his message: “Treat People With Kindness.”

There’s a quote from him that’s stuck with me for a long time:

“Fill up your own cup, and let them fall in love with the overflow.”

To me, that means take care of yourself first. Learn to love who you are, do the things that make you happy, and be someone you're proud of. And once you’ve filled yourself with that kind of confidence and self-love, the right people will be drawn to you—not because you’re trying, but just because you're being you."

Medina Torres confessed she didn't think she'd ever win Homecoming Queen, and that when she heard her name announced she couldn't believe it. Her personal Homecoming Queen song would be Call It What You Want by Taylor Swift, specifically the lyrics, “And I know I make the same mistakes every time. Bridges burn, I never learn, at least I did one thing right...Starry eyes sparkin' up my darkest night.” She said the song reminded her of Raymond, her escort. She has worried about so many little things that night, but said she knew she got one thing right: him.

"I can honestly say I wouldn’t have enjoyed Homecoming nearly as much if it had been anyone else walking with me." - Medina Torres

Medina Torres made sure to credit those who helped her get here. Her best friend, Briley Polk, had her back from the very beginning. The West High Band showed overflowing love and support for her as well. And, of course, Raymond, her escort, never gave up faith that Medina Torres would win the crown, not doubting her once.