The Homecoming court will be formally announced during the pep rally at Monroe Stadium Sep. 10. The court was voted upon by peers and will be presented after a kickoff featuring a performance by the Legacies as well as band and Vision..
“I really decided that being a cheerleader really helps with school spirit,” freshman princess Sloan Coleman said. “It really shows everyone how to be a true Viper.”
Students are given a Google Form to nominate people in their grade for prince and princess for freshmen through juniors. Seniors nominated for queen and king are not revealed until the Homecoming game Sep. 12.
“You know, I would just say like first of all that’s a great thing that you’re freshman prince or princess,” said sophomore Luke Panko, former 2024 freshman prince. “I had a great time with it.”
Members of the court decorate a golf cart, ride on it during the parade, and walk on the field during the pep rally. They get announced again at halftime during the football game this Friday, and receive a sash and a crown.
“Being able to decorate the gold carts and throw candy at the kids,” said senior Caleb Luong, “ that’s my favorite part.”
This year’s princes and princesses consist of freshmen Coleman and William Nearing, sophomores Maria Silveira and Preston James III, and juniors Brooke Oatman and Kyle Polansky.
“I got to meet a bunch of seniors and juniors and got to go in front of the whole school,” said sophomore Lauren Dahl, 2024 freshman princess.
Homecoming King and Queen nominations include three senior girls and three senior boys. The Queen nominees are Mariana Diaz, Maritza Tomlinson, and Mia Craddock. The King nominees are Caleb Luong, Austin Lee, and Marshall Linenberger. The official King and Queen will be announced at half time during the homecoming game.
“I was a freshman prince a few years ago and it was a super fun experience,” Luong said. “I wanted to do it again and I’m running with the same person, Maritza.”
Often, the Homecoming court is made up of entirely new royalty, but this year, Polansky and Luong are both in their second year of being on the court.
“It’s definitely kind of scary sometimes,” Panko said. “But overall it’s just a great experience.”
Typically, the court consists of people from various organizations, some common ones being cheer, band or football. Last year, all princes and princesses came from band and Vision.
“I feel like the most common answer [for what are you most nervous for?] would be just walking around the field during half time or the parade,” Luong said, “but I’m super excited to do it, not really afraid.”
