And the tiara goes to …
An event that was so passionately anticipated by Allen Community College students occurred Saturday, Feb. 4, when the homecoming queen and king were crowned during halftime of the men’s basketball game.
The lucky couple that now will carry the title of college royals were Erica Whitmore, captain of the Firestarters dance team, and Alex Keiswetter, Red Devils basketball player. These students were nominated by their coaches and thereafter chosen by Allen students during an election. They underwent a big competition among 16 other nominees.
It took Allen’s administration a couple days to finally collect all the votes and determine the leading
figures for the throne. Ten people took the court at Saturday’s game as finalists. In addition to Whitmore and Keiswetter, they were Sarah Charbonneau, Dani Wilbur, Kendra Taiclet, Bailey Burnett, Ben Loffin, Jordan Fountain. Patrick Rachford, and Garrett Nooney
“ I think the homecoming event is all about recognition of the leaders on the Allen campus, the time when all students can learn more about each other and become closer,” said Director of Student Life Ryan Bilderback . Indeed to choose semi-finalists and then narrow down the final five candidates, voters should have had a vivid picture of the vote-getters.
The pair of that crystal night were the center of attention not only among students, but among photographers as well, who tried to capture wide smiles and bright eyes of the heroes of the day.
One more night character was Jordan Fountain, one of the king candidates, who excelled by making a special performance of a Michael Jackson dance during the ceremony.
Bilderback emphasized the importance of Spirit Week, homecoming and similar events to the Allen family. “These nights support school spirit and give a sort of support and motivation to athletic teams,” he said. “We plan to do more to diversify the spare time of Allen scholars and increase participation of the campus in college life.”
Meanwhile a newly selected queen and king will reign inside of the school’s walls and inspire other residents of the Allen kingdom to pursue their own activities to be nominated for next year’s homecoming court.