Javontay Moss said that going through the process of becoming a homecoming candidate gave him the chance to reflect on his time at USI.

The senior communication studies major acts as a student ambassador and is involved in Campus Outreach, a campus ministry. He is also a peer advisor for the Center for Exploring Majors.

“Filling out that application, I just reflected a lot on what USI has done for me and what different roles I’ve been able to serve through and then kind of just reflecting on my overall experience,” Moss said.

He also said that he possessed leadership qualities coming in, but didn’t understand what those were.

Students must be recommended by faculty or staff in order to be a part of the homecoming court. After the nomination, students filled out applications and then have it scored.

Jason Honesto, junior public relations major, is heavily involved in fraternity and sorority life, his chapter being Lambda Chi Alpha and serves on the Interfraternity Council as the executive vice president.

“I’m kind of hard to miss honestly,” Honesto said. “I’m kind of loud and I have a lot of energy about me and I think that’s something that kind of helps me stand out among the other candidates.”

Drelin Julkes, a senior individual studies major, is a peer adviser for the Romain College of Business and in the College of Liberal Arts.

“I don’t really care too much to become king, if I’m being honest,” Julkes said. “I’m just blessed to be recognized on it.” 

Julkes also said that he was nominated for homecoming court last year, but he took more time filling out his application and formatting his answers.

He said that he already knew most of the people on the homecoming court.

“I knew basically everyone on the court just from my involvement in various organizations on campus, so I kind of already had a general understanding of who they were and what they do for USI,” Julkes said.

Olivia Dehner, senior marketing major, is the president of the Activities Program Board and is a student ambassador.

“I have been highly involved on campus and I’ve held a lot of leadership roles,” she said. “And I truly have loved USI ever since I started here.”

She said she has met a lot of her close friends on campus and described everyone she’s met as friendly, supportive and caring.

Homecoming starts next week on Feb. 10, with events, competitions and voting.

Some of the Homecoming events include throwback games, Bingo! With Archie’s Army, a trivia and dodgeball tournament, the craziest fan basketball game, spirit day and date night with homecoming.

There will be three homecoming competitions.

Spirit competition challenges student groups to show their school spirit through participation in homecoming events and two judged competitions.

The craziest fan contest can be for individuals or groups. People must wear red, white and blue and wear the craziest outfit possible.

USI employees can show their spirit with the office decoration contest.

Voting opens Feb. 10 and the coronation of the king and queen will happen during the halftime of the men’s basketball game Feb. 15.