Photo Courtesy  of Public Information
The 2015 Homecoming Court (top) include (left to right) Allison Etzel, Si-Arah McCray, Jasmine Wilson, Christina Ferrando, Jamie Ban, Ashley Nelson and Randi St. Pierre. The 2015 Homecoming Beau Court (above) include (left to right) Tony Miller, Reid Shorter, DJ Cannon, Davon Mitchell, Beau Moore, DeQuaz Humphries and Tyrell Norman.

With emotions high and excitement even higher, students eagerly waited to hear the announcement of newly elected Homecoming Court members and Student Government Association Freshman Senators.

After campaigning and voting Tuesday through Thursday, results were given on Thursday, September 24 in the Student Union Breezeway.

First to be recognized were the two new SGA Freshman Senators, Ali LeBlanc and Margueritte “Maggie” Sauter.

Next, SGA Assistant Director Kyle Gallagher revealed the 7 maids and 7 dukes representing the 2015 Homecoming Court.

The maids include seniors Jamie Ban, Allison Etzel, Si-Arah McCray and Jasmine Wilson; juniors Ashley Nelson and Randi St. Pierre and sophomore Christina Ferrando.

Homecoming Court dukes are seniors DJ Cannon, Tony Miller, Beau Moore, Tyrell Norman and Reid Shorter; and sophomores DeQuaz Humphries and Davon Mitchell.

As students were waiting to hear their name called, some were nervous and others remained calm.

“I felt at ease, honestly, because I was going to be okay with the outcome, no matter what,” said Humphries. “I knew it was only my sophomore year, and that if I didn’t make it, that there would still be other opportunities.”

Now on court, the dukes and maids are enthusiastic to have this once in a lifetime experience.

“Having the opportunity to represent Southeastern on the court means so much to me,” said Nelson. “I am from the area so I have grown up my whole life around Southeastern’s campus. It has always been very dear to my heart, and I am really looking forward to experiencing the university in a new way.”

The court has new experiences to look forward to throughout the week.

“I am looking forward to getting to represent my school on the Homecoming Court,” said Nelson. “I am excited to see Homecoming Week from a new perspective. I am also looking forward to getting the chance to meet President Crain.”

Humphries is also eager to participate in Homecoming activities.

“I am looking forward to actually participating in Homecoming festivities this year,” said Humphries. “Last year, I didn’t participate in many activities at all because I was very new to the college scene, but I know this year will be different.”

As the court members are beginning to embark on this new journey, each reflects on their own most memorable moment from their college experience thus far.

“My favorite memory from Southeastern was experiencing my first Homecoming Week in 2013,” said Nelson. “I made so many new friends in different organizations, and it gave me more opportunities to get involved around campus. That week, I developed a new love for the campus, the community and the student body.”

The new Homecoming royalty will be crowned on Saturday during halftime of the football game.