This year’s Comic-Con themed homecoming was originally planned to have seven candidates, but the Associated Students of Cerritos College has announced last Thursday that a tie for seventh place resulted in eight nominees for homecoming queen.

Because these women got through the first round of nominations, candidate three Stacy Sandoval thinks it is important for one to stay humble about her status.

“I feel it’s important to be true to yourself, and don’t let others try to change you,” Sandoval said. “Be humble with everything you do. If you succeed, be humble and always give back to your community.”

The women admitted that campaigning was more difficult than they expected, especially since they are already active Cerritos College students.

Candidate eight Hannah Luong, representing the International Student Association, said, “The time it takes to get from El Monte to (Cerritos College) is a long time and my dad has to pick me up and take me to school, so the campaign takes a lot of effort.”

Juggling 18 units this semester, being an active member of the Kabarkada Club and cheerleading for Cerritos College has been a handful for Kryxiane Ramos, candidate six, but she’s enjoying the challenge.

Although Itza Moreno, candidate seven, has her hands full with triathlon and her daily work outs, she felt that running for homecoming queen could help her overcome her social shyness.

“I want to step out of my comfort zone, start talking to new people, make new friends and get over my fear of being on stage,” Moreno said.

The candidates vary in interests, ranging from Michelle Mancilla who enjoys student government, to Jasmine Paiz who likes tanning and dancing, to Dana Ramos who is a Harry Potter fanatic.

Michelle Mancilla, candidate four, felt that she would be a good representative as homecoming queen because of her involvement in student government and activities iFalcon and Phi Beta Lamba.

Ramos said one of the most fun part about homecoming is building the floats.

Lauren Didio, candidate five, is part of the Anthropology Club and said her float’s theme would be based on a mixture of the video games “Tomb Raider” and “Enchanted.”

One of the main reasons that the women are running for homecoming queen is to promote their clubs.

Jasmine Paiz, candidate two, believes that winning homecoming queen would benefit her club.

“It will give us (the Dynamic Dance Club) more members and we will spread the word of who we are.”

Ramos said, “I want to promote The Order of the Falcon Club and I’m also excited about the Mock Rally. It’s going to be very funny.”

The Mock Rally is going to take place on Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Student Center.

This is meant to be a comedic event where a male friend of the candidate will be dancing and acting out a song that best represents her.

Didio said that her male friend will be belly dancing to “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira to poke fun at her hobby.

The homecoming queen elections will take place on Oct. 23 and 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on both days.

Once the votes are counted, the homecoming queen will be announced during halftime of the Cerritos College v. Ventura football game at Falcon Stadium on Oct. 26.