Freshman Brooklyn Barnes feels “really special” to be nominated for Homecoming court this year, though similarly to many others it came as somewhat of a surprise. As this is her first big school dance, she’s excited to enjoy it with her friends, with whom she will be getting ready beforehand. 

Freshman Ryan Lengkeek campaigned for Homecoming by spreading the word about the extravagant outfits he has prepared for not just the dance, but all of spirit week. Lengkeek has enjoyed his first month of school largely due to all the new people he has been meeting. “It’s really paid off to be talking to so many people,” Lengkeek said. With this being his first Homecoming dance, Lengkeek is excited for the unexpected.

For sophomore Cryus Hilbourne, winning Homecoming court did not come as a complete surprise, as he was aware that his friends voted for him in a joking manner. Hilbourne thinks “it’s pretty cool” that he was nominated and is most thrilled to receive the sash.

Sophomore Abigail Baye’s friends were the reason that she won Homecoming court. She spread the message among her friends by text that she wanted to be on the court and soon enough, the message spread wide enough which ultimately led to her winning. Before the dance, Baye plans to get ready and take photos with her friends. Because she didn’t attend last year’s Homecoming, this year will be her first one. She doesn’t know what to expect but is looking forward to it regardless. “I’m just excited to see how it all looks,” she said.

Junior Kapono Richter feels “indifferent” about winning Homecoming court. He was pretty surprised upon learning that he was nominated, as he did not campaign at all, but nevertheless he is excited for what’s to come. “The Homecoming dance is going to be pretty fun,” he said.

Junior Sophie Houghton is thrilled to have won Homecoming court. Additionally, Houghton really likes the theme of Homecoming this year and thinks the spirit days correlating with the theme is very fun. With all the things that accompany being on the Homecoming court, her favorite are the traditions. “I think it’ll be fun to be at the pep rally and get a sash,” Houghton said.

Senior Queen Womujuni is extremely appreciative of the students who voted for her to win. As far as campaigning goes, Womujuni asked her friends jokingly to vote for her. “I didn’t actually think I was going to win, but it’s really exciting,” Womujuni said. Prior to attending the dance, she is looking forward to dressing up and spending time with her friends for their last Homecoming together. “The pressure’s on me, you know, I got to make my outfits look good [and] I got to look cute every single day,” she said.

Senior Eva McCaffrey is “hyped” to be nominated for Homecoming court this year after asking her friends to vote for her. She is most looking forward to “the energy that the school will hopefully bring” as well as the sashes that each court member is going to receive. McCaffrey also heard a rumor that all nominees will be receiving Barbie toys, and is hoping that this turns out to be correct.

Senior Luke Martin was surprised upon hearing that he was voted onto the Homecoming court, but he speculates that those who voted for him did so in lieu of his girlfriend Ale Garcia’s campaign, who was also nominated. “It’s kind of a package deal,” he said. Looking ahead, Martin is most looking forward to Homecoming celebrations such as the recognition at the football game, and of course, the dance itself.

Senior Ale Garcia campaigned for the sole purpose of being on the court with her boyfriend of four years. “We’ve been together since freshman year and this is our senior year,” Garcia said. “So I just thought it would be really fun to win together.” Garcia is most excited for the food she is getting before Homecoming and the dancing itself.

Correction: October 10, 2023 

A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the time Ale and Luke were dating. 

Senior Aidan McBride thinks “it’s a fun opportunity” to be nominated for Homecoming court this year. McBride did not campaign prior to the votes being counted, which ultimately left him surprised about the nomination. He is excited to be in the position of the possible leadership role of being on Homecoming court.  “I’m just looking forward to hanging out with everybody,” he said.

Senior Victoria Poletiek feels “pretty good” about winning Homecoming court. She told her volleyball team and a few of her friends to vote for her jokingly, but she didn’t anticipate winning. Poletiek was very surprised when she heard the news and is most looking forward to spending time with her friends at Homecoming.