Hoco is a hallmark event in every American high schooler’s life. Students of all grades feel the excitement building around homecoming time. It is an event to mark the growth that students have made and experience the school spirit together. For many, it is a chance to revisit old memories made at their alma mater and relive the precious memories they collected during their time.
One of the most popular features of hoco is the homecoming king and queen. It is a tradition where the student body votes to elect a queen and a king to represent the rest of the students. More than prestige, the title reflects responsibility and shared trust between the pupils.
To learn more about the homecoming king and queen, read on.
History of Homecoming
In its early days, homecoming looked like a grand football event and a parade. The first events were such a success that they became an integral part of every student’s school life. Now, homecoming events are conducted around early fall, and consist of events such as theme days, parades, games, and a sporting event.
Even though traditions have evolved, what hasn’t changed throughout the years is the spirit and energy behind coming together and celebrating community.
So, What Does it Really Mean to be Homecoming Queen and King?
The crowning of the homecoming king and queen is quite a serious affair. They become part of what is known as the backings court. Members of the senior class, mostly, are voted on by their fellow students. The criteria ensure that the selected students can represent their school well and can demonstrate ownership of their responsibilities.
The homecoming queen or king is celebrated for their character, popularity among their peers, and involvement in school activities. Essentially, they are supposed to best embody the spirit of togetherness that homecoming is all about.
But at the end of the day, the homecoming king and queen titles do not elevate anyone above other students. Rather, the nomination adds to students’ responsibilities and provides them with an opportunity to give back to their school.
How Does the Process of Becoming Homecoming Queen and King Work?
The process for nominating a homecoming king and queen can differ by school. But there are a few common traditions across schools in America:
- Nomination: At the beginning, nominations are made for the king, queen, and often the prince and princess. Depending on the school tradition, the nomination may depend entirely on the students or have the faculty members involved as well.
- Campaign: Nominated students plan and run a campaign demonstrating their goals and purpose upon election. They may include their friends in the campaigning process.
- Voting: Students vote from the list of nominees whom they consider most deserving of the titles.
- Court Announcement: The finalists are announced in a court announcement. This is met with a lot of excitement from the students.
- Crowning: This is the most-awaited part of the entire process. The winning students are finally announced and crowned in a special ceremony.
To learn more about the process at your own school, you can reach out to alumni who have had their homecoming already.
How to Become Homecoming King or Queen?
There is no checklist to follow if you want to run for homecoming king or queen. However, there’s no harm in upping your chances of being nominated and selected.
If there’s still time until homecoming, the best advice is to put yourself out there. Be more involved in school activities, organize school events, and be aware of student needs and issues within the community. This will help you build connections and make you more approachable. Remember to be kind and respectful in your interactions.
What if You’re Nominated (Or Not)?
If you’re nominated, it can feel exciting, but also a little overwhelming. Don’t stress too much about the results, and make sure you enjoy every moment. You can take this time to figure out your dress; Sherri Hill’s homecoming collection offers great options for this. Go window shopping with friends or look for boutique stores online.
Homecoming isn’t all about kings and queens. You will have a lot of fun sharing once-in-a-lifetime memories with your friends. It is about reliving the school memories and connecting with your academic purpose once again.
Making the Most of Homecoming
No matter what experience you have with the homecoming court, your experience will be as good as what you make of it. Keep in focus what you enjoy the most. This can be taking pictures with your friends, documenting the event, dancing, or participating in the homecoming games.
Undoubtedly, the idea of becoming the homecoming king or queen feels significant, and it is, but it is important to keep things in perspective. A title does not define your homecoming experience, do what feels the most authentic!