Homecoming Week is arguably the most important week at Southeastern. The week’s events are headed off and led by members of the Homecoming court. Students should give these young men and women stronger support and show more school pride. 

As a sweetheart of the 2014 Homecoming court, I realize how much work is required to be elected, and I feel more students should care about voting for who will represent their school. 

One problem I ran into while campaigning was some people simply did not care to be involved in the voting process. When I asked a student if he would like to vote, he blatantly told me no. He would rather not because he does not agree with the whole concept of having a Homecoming king and queen. Slightly disgruntled, I left him alone and moved on to the next person. Even though I respected his decision, I was offended that he had no desire whatsoever to have his voice heard or support those candidates that he felt were deserving of the title. 

The seven beaus and sweethearts of the Homecoming court are the faces of the school, so to speak. They are the students who are in good academic standing, involved in a minimum of two student organizations and considered the best Southeastern has to offer. We work hard to be involved leaders, good role models and excellent students.

One young man who knows what it takes is the 2013 Homecoming King Jeremy Lloyd. 

“To be nominated on court and to be named king takes plenty of getting yourself familiar with the student body, countless posts through any social media website, being involved in campus activities, confidence in yourself, a likeable or approachable personality, patience and lots of prayer,” said Lloyd.  

The 2013 king and queen join in the 2014 Homecoming festivities, which include a Plywood Paintoff, Minute to Win It, Gumbo Ya Ya, the SGA Block Party, Bonfire, Lip Sync Contest and Homecoming parade and game. Homecoming Week is highly anticipated, and many organizations come together to show their Lion pride. 

Unfortunately, this is not the case for some students. The lack of support is directly connected to a lack of Lion pride, something I believe every student should have. 

As lame as the class was, one principle I learned in Southeastern 101 was getting the best college experience possible requires becoming involved on campus. I also learned there is a connection to involvement and academic success: students that are more active in extracurricular activities tend to do better in school. There are dozens of student organizations to choose from, so there is no excuse for non-involvement. 

Typically, involvement creates a sense of pride, belonging and accomplishment. This is something I have personally experienced after becoming a part of the Catholic Student Association, Students for Life, the community service director of the Public Relations Student Society of America and attending weekly meetings for many other Christian organizations. I also work as a staff reporter for The Lion’s Roar and an office worker. In addition, I strive to maintain academic excellence and was on the President’s List for having a 4.0 in the fall of 2013 and spring of 2014. 

Southeastern has a lot more to offer than academic courses. Being uninvolved means levels of school pride are significantly reduced. A lack of pride can result in a lack of interest in activities such as Homecoming court elections. 

For me, Southeastern is not just a school. It is also where I live, work, worship God, make memories with friends and impact the community. I am so honored to represent Southeastern, and so are the other members on the royal court. It is a great responsibility that is not taken lightly and should receive more interest and support from the Lion family.