It’s about school spirit. It’s about promoting the football game. And, contrary to widely held belief, this is not just a popularity contest reserved for the school’s elite.

Homecoming is rapidly approaching. Clubs are currently submitting their nominations. The queen will soon be crowned.

Yet many are left to wonder, what exactly does the homecoming queen do?

“The whole court judges the Mr. Cerritos contest during Hoe Down Days” says Trudy Foster of Student Activities.

Foster explained that although the homecoming queen has very few specific duties, the homecoming process is designed to promote school spirit. The excitement from homecoming week will hopefully produce a larger crowd at the homecoming game.

“We try to promote the game,” Foster said. “Nothing makes us happier than seeing the stands full.”

The process of becoming queen is not exactly what one would expect. These women are not fighting to the death for the crown, as is often seen in movies.

Foster recalls the camaraderie of last year’s court. “We got down to seven totally different personalities and they all got along.”

What ever happened to the idea that homecoming is based on nothing more than popularity and the most attractive person always wins?

“This is not a beauty contest,” Foster stated. The students nominated often come from diverse backgrounds, with varied hobbies and interests.

Last year’s homecoming queen campaigned under the theme “breaking stereotypes”.

This year’s homecoming queen will be crowned Nov. 2, at the football game vs. Mt. SAC

There will be a parade at half-time. This year’s theme is “scary moments”.

Whatever the outcome of the elections, it is the hope of those involved that people have fun and get a little boost of their falcon pride.

Foster said, “We encourage the girls to have a good time and to promote the homecoming activities.”