Homecoming queens share support for each other

Published 4:00 am Thursday, October 8, 2026

Shortly after the announcement of being named this year’s queen, the Harrison 2026 homecoming queen Lily Burns was surprised to receive a letter with photos to congratulate her.

The photos were of the beautiful Harrison 1983 homecoming queen, Colleen Clayborn. The letter shared Colleen’s story.

In 2007 the mother was jogging when she was hit by a drunk driver in Hot Springs. She suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, so her parents became her caregivers.

The mother of the 1983 queen, Mrs. Junette Clayborn, sent the letter and photos to congratulate Lily. The current queen immediately wanted to visit her “homecoming sister” to share a gift. Mrs. Junette asked if the girls should wear matching Goblin attire for pictures.

Colleen was a strong Harrison Lady Goblin athlete. Her mother said she played every sport but football. Colleen went to the University of Central Arkansas and played tennis. Later she married, had two sons, and taught English at Lake Hamilton High School. Colleen’s parents taught at Skyline Heights Elementary School in Harrison.

After the accident, Colleen also lost her eyesight as well as being immobile. Her father, Johnny Clayborn, has been her “coach” for many years. He tenderly loves and cares for his daughter today. During the visit, he said, “isn’t Colleen beautiful?”

Lily helped Colleen put on her new crown and hold it for pictures. She also helped Colleen smell her fresh flowers.

Mrs. Junette shared with Lily all of Colleen’s homecoming memorabilia and gave her a scrapbook filled with pictures of Colleen. She really wants the message of how a drunk driver changed Colleen’s life forever. Colleen’s youngest son was in middle school when the accident occurred.

One person’s decision changed the course of an entire family’s life.

As Harrison celebrates homecoming on Friday night, the rich tradition of community support lives through and is passed from one queen to another.