After a grueling four-day campaign and a final tabulation of votes, seven determined women emerged victorious to win their places on the 2001/2002 Cerritos College Homecoming court.
All last week, 15 candidates (backed by various campus groups) were vying to win a coveted spot on the court. The campaigning consisted of the women passing out flyers and candy, meeting with students and taking every opportunity to get out in front of the college community.
Many of the finalists are new to Homecoming-type campaigning yet still managed to win places for themselves.
“I was really nervous about getting out there,” said Finalist Betty Sanchez (backed by the Disabled Students’ Association) “but I did better than I thought I could.”
The women hope that by running for homecoming Queen, they can help bring attention to their favorite cause and increase student participation.
“This is a chance to promote women’s issues,” said finalist Claudia Geldis (backed by the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance) “while at the same time helping to break stereotypes.”
The Homecoming Queen will not have any assigned duties, but is often invited to attend awards ceremonies, dedications, groundbreakings and other events in and around the College community.
Numerous campus clubs decided to sponsor individual candidates from within their membership and backed them in campaigning.
The sponsorship takes the form of helping candidates to create posters, pass out flyers and talk to students between classes.
There is a vested interest in clubs having their candidate selected as Homecoming Queen, as this leads to greater exposure to the campus community and promotes school spirit within the clubs.
“I’m glad to see them (the clubs) out here,” said Jorge Perez, ESL “things like this (Homecoming) are good to have on campus.”
The campaigning lasted until the very last minute, with students racing to the voting booths to vote for their favorites.
The court is chosen by popular student vote, with students being allowed to select up to seven candidates, with a final tally of 964 students voting for the homecoming Court.
This is more than double the number of people who voted for the Student Senate at the beginning of the semester.
A further election in two weeks will determine who will be the Cerritos College Homecoming Queen.
Voting is open to students with a Cerritos College Student ID and a current sticker.
Voting Booths are located by the Health Occupations building, in front of the Food court and by the Elbow room in front of the Liberal Arts building.
Court Presentation
Flushed with elation and blushing with emotion, the seven court members were presented to the Cerritos College student body at last Tuesday’s 2001/2002-homecoming presentation in the Student Center.
One by one, the court members were announced by name and sponsoring organization. Next, they walked a short runway accompanied by thunderous cheers and applause from the audience.
They also gave a brief personal history and answered a few questions from emcee Wayne Nunnery.
Students can meet the candidates this Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Activity Night event. Candidates will be talking to different classes in the SS building.
Candidates’ Quotes:
