Western Carolina University’s homecoming king and queen were on Saturday, Oct. 9.
Most of the activities during Homecoming 2021 were canceled because of bad weather. The home football game against Mercer and the ceremony of announcing the king and queen happened to the delight of over 11,000 eager fans.
Homecoming is for anyone associated with WCU to unite and share school pride. The tradition of choosing the queen and king is more than sparkled metal décor. The students vote for who they feel best represents the school and defines the catamount’s name beyond their time on campus.
After being crowned, the king and queen are obligated to be heavily involved with campus activities and being there for other students personally. They are expected to show school spirit and pride on and off-campus. They are the voice for and of the students.
With the pandemic disrupting the 2019-20 school year, WCU has not had active Homecoming representatives since March 2020. The 10 runners for the court shared excitement and honor for being able to get as far as they did, but only two could win.
The winners Sydney Spivey and Colton Graham are both juniors in marketing and management and active members of many WCU organizations. They also want to give back the love that WCU is giving them. When she was crowned Spivey thanked her sorority, Phi Mu Gamma Mu, Cat Camp community, chancellor’s ambassadors and all other organizations she is a part of for the support
Graham gave large appreciation to his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and all other communities supporting him through this journey.
“Thank you, thank you, a thousand times,” said Graham as he showed gratitude for the love felt when hearing his name.
Spivey explained the impact that homecoming has on the students. Homecoming brings together a community that unites with school spirit for their shared experiences. For some, it is the only time they are able to connect with the alumni.
Past and present students come together at Homecoming to appreciate what WCU continues to provide, love. Spivey and Graham are thankful and proud to take part in showing others that WCU listens to their students and supports them beyond the walls of the valley.
