There is more to the Homecoming Royalty process than meets the eye. From the nominations in the spring to the interviews held Thursday night, candidates participate in a lot of behind-the-scenes preparation.
"I don't think people realize there's stuff that goes on before Homecoming Week," senior Michele Faroh, who represents Kappa Delta sorority, said.
General Chairwoman Libby Skiles said that the candidates are nominated the previous spring by a campus organization and are required to attend a number of events including meetings, the Homecoming Royalty Fashion Show and the Homecoming Royalty Dinner. The candidates were narrowed down to 10 queen and 10 king candidates at the fashion show last week.
"The highlight was the fashion show when I found out I was in the top 10," senior Kent Roberson, who represents the Black Student Association, said. "I didn't think I would have enough votes. It made me feel special. I was so excited over the response, I got over my costume of a parking ticket."
The candidates represent a variety of organizations and want to be involved for numerous reasons.
"My dorm nominated me," sophomore Camille Chandler, who represents Botsford/Swinford Hall, said. "I'm doing it to make them proud."
Sophomore Brent Lyle represents Trendz of Essence, a modeling and dance troupe.
"I would like to be king to represent the African-American and minority population," Lyle said.
Junior Beverly Bautista said this is the first year for her organization, the Asian-American Student Association, to be involved and have candidates for Homecoming.
"I think it would be kind of exciting for someone of my ethnicity to be recognized," Bautista said.
Some of the candidates look at Homecoming Royalty as an opportunity to represent Ball State University in a large-scale way.
"It would be the pinnacle of my college career to represent Ball State in such a large capacity to all of my peers," Faroh said.
For senior Matthew Mattmiller, who represents Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, what matters most is the process leading up to the coronation, not who ends up winning.
"It would be an honor to be king," Mattmiller said, "but really, this is the fun part."
For many of the candidates, campaigning has not played a role in the competition.
"No, I didn't campaign," senior Haley DeWees, who represents Alpha Phi sorority, said. "I feel if people like me, they'll vote for me."
Mattmiller said that the voting is influenced by involvement and connections rather than campaigning.
"There is a big misconception about voting," Mattmiller said. "You're looking at some of the leaders on campus. Most of us are really active and involved in activities."
Lyle's girlfriend helped him campaign on Facebook.com, he said.
Thursday night the candidates attended a Homecoming Royalty Dinner at the Alumni Center, followed by interviews in which each candidate was interviewed by five judges. The dinner was an opportunity for candidates to get to know each other.
"Deep conversation came to life at my table," junior David Downing, who represents the National Residence Hall Honorary, said. "It felt like I was with close friends."
Student Promotions and Organizations Chairwoman Lauren Vandeveer said the interviews are similar to interviewing for a job.
"It's not something you want to just come in and wing," Vandeveer said.
Senior Sarah Aldridge, who represents Phi Mu sorority, said her interview was focused on what it is like to be a Muncie local.
"They asked me a lot of questions about my experiences living in Muncie," Aldridge said. "I was myself, the only person I could be. I feel good about that, no matter what the judges thought."
Junior Jamie Nicole Bauer, who represents Shively Hall, said that involvement plays a big role in Homecoming.
"Homecoming is what you make it," Bauer said. "The more people get involved, the more fun it is!"
Aldridge looks at being a candidate as an opportunity to show her Ball State pride and considers it an honor.
"I love Ball State - I really do," Aldridge said. "I really respect my fellow candidates so much, and I'm honored to even be a part of this group."
The king and queen, as well as four people for each of their courts, will be announced at 9 p.m. Oct. 13 during the Air Jam in Emens Auditorium.
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