Homecoming Royalty vs. King and Queen
Fall is in the air and that means MSUM Homecoming is nearly here! You’ve seen the calls for nominations and probably talked to friends who are interviewing for MSUM Homecoming Royalty. So, what’s the scoop on why we have “royalty,” instead of crowning a king and queen? We interviewed Emily Tiefenthaler, the Events and Programming Graduate Assistant for the Dragon Entertainment Group to learn more.
Students are nominated for MSUM Homecoming Royalty and then go through an interview process. The candidates are asked a series of questions related to Dragon Pride, Homecoming, MSUM’s values, and more. After the interviews, 10 students are selected as the Homecoming Court. These are the 10 students who you can vote for to be crowned Homecoming Royalty.
“We want to make sure that everyone not only feels a part of Homecoming, but if you are on Royalty, that we’re not discriminating and we’re still giving you the chance to identify however you want. We’re not narrowing down to a king or queen, if that’s not what you identify as,” said Tiefenthaler.
During the week of Homecoming, Dragons get to vote for two members of the court. Rather than crowning the highest vote-getting male and female candidate, the two members of the court who receive the most votes will be crowned, regardless of gender identity or expression. In the interview process, the Dragon Entertainment Group asks royalty candidates if they prefer a crown or tiara so they can receive whichever they’d prefer. This allows MSUM to respect each candidate’s identity and allows them to stay true to themselves as they represent MSUM.
“We accept you however you are and value the involvement, commitment and dedication that student leaders provide,” said Tiefenthaler.
No matter who is crowned, being nominated for the court or being selected to the Homecoming court is an honor. Tiefenthaler shared why having a Homecoming Court is valuable, “Having them represent the school for the entire week and putting them out there for other students is not only a good representation of MSUM as a whole, it’s good for the other students to see these student leaders.”
Leading the nomination, interview, and voting process, Tiefenthaler said, “I’m realizing there’s a lot that goes into it. I really appreciate the motivation and dedication all the candidates provide, too. Whether you get on court or not, the fact that they’re signing up for interviews and taking the time to come in and talk about their involvement, what they do on campus, and how much they love MSUM has been inspiring to me.”
Find out who is selected as your 2018 Homecoming Court during Dragons Got Talent and the Court Reveal in Glasrud Auditorium on Monday, October 1 at 7:30pm. Coronation will be held Friday, October 5at 8:30pm at Nemzek Field, followed by the Burning of the M and Fireworks. We’ll see you there! Check out all the Homecoming events.And don’t forget to vote for your Homecoming Royalty!