Like many other Elizabethtown College students, I braved the chilly fall temperatures to attend the Homecoming men’s soccer game. The real spectacle for me came in the form of the halftime show where the Homecoming Court, king and queen were announced. Of course I was personally focused on the outfits of the Court members, but my assignment was talking to the class representatives and senior court nominees to provide some insight into what it’s like to receive the honor of being nominated.
Junior representative Allison Waskow didn’t even know that nominations and voting were happening until her friend told her that she had secured her vote. “I asked her ‘For what?’ because I was just so surprised,” Waskow said. “I wasn’t expecting it at all. When I found out I was very shocked, but very excited too.”
Sophomore Matt Walters was particularly excited to be a member of the Court. The self-proclaimed “Asian Dragon” said, “When I saw my name on the nominee list, I was a tad surprised. I certainly didn’t nominate myself, so I was flattered that enough people considered me for it. When I was informed that I would be on Homecoming Court, I nearly pooped my pants. I was going up against some big names, so it was a welcome ego booster.” This was the most enthusiastic response I received by far; no one else dared to mention any bodily fluids.
Senior nominee for king Samuel Ceron, a former Mr. Etown contestant, used college to break out of his formerly shy self. “I was actually never on Homecoming Court throughout high school because I was actually a shy person back then; however, Etown has allowed me to branch out and meet new people,” Ceron said.
Queen nominee senior Kimberly Welker was her high school’s Homecoming Queen her senior year, but has never been a member of Etown’s Court. She held her competition in high esteem, saying, “I believe every member of Court is equally deserving of the title of king and queen. Lexi and Elly are so deserving of queen, and I am truly humbled to be standing on the field next to two of my close friends who have given so much of their time, talents and heart to Etown.”
King nominee Nick Clemens took the field with our stunningly beautiful Editor-in-Chief Brianna Wiest, and wow, are they a gorgeous couple. I may be a bit partial, but I just couldn’t look away from the glaringly Kennedy-esque vibe they were exuding. This is Clemens’ first time on any type of Homecoming Court, but he isn’t disappointed about the loss, saying “Have you seen my hair? I would never cover that artwork with a crown.”
Homecoming Queen 2012 and Etownian sports editor Lexi Morris is no stranger to being a member of the Court. Last year, she represented the junior class and was also on her high school’s court. “I felt very honored to represent the seniors,” she said. “I think there are many senior women who would have represented the school equally as well.” A gracious winner, Morris continued with “Kim and Elly are both great role models for Etown, and they contribute so much to the school through their various activities and clubs.” Morris is quite possibly the most upbeat, positive person I’ve ever met, and will clearly make an excellent queen. Now hopefully she just wears her sash around the Etownian Office …
Josh Riehl was crowned the 2012 Homecoming King, and seeing his two sisters escort him was absolutely precious, was it not?! Riehl is also a Homecoming Court veteran, having been a member of his high school Homecoming and Prom Courts. Unfortunately for him, someone else was crowned both times. Also modest, Riehl said, “I feel honored to represent the senior class, but I feel like there are a lot of other guys at this school that could easily have been on the court as well.” He viewed himself as a long shot for the win, but said that everyone likes an underdog victory, so that gave him an advantage. Now, had he publicized that his sisters would be his escorts, he would have been a shoe in.
Well there you have it, the Homecoming Ceremony reactions straight from the horses’ mouths. I would like to offer final congratulations to all of the nominees and representatives; walking out on that field takes guts and everyone handled themselves with such poise and grace that I was definitely proud to be a Blue Jay.