As Parkway West finds itself amidst Homecoming week chaos, the return of annual traditions has brought on spirit, competition and an infamous sense of unity that reverberates through the halls. From float decorations to Powderpuff, students engage in a variety of activity; however, one event in particular arguably stands out from the rest.

During the initial weeks of the school year, the entirety of the student body tunes in to vote on their picks for the court: one freshman nominee, two sophomores, three juniors and four seniors. With over a dozen clubs, sports, hobbies and passions present among them, on Sept. 27, the following 10 individuals were officially dubbed the members of the 2024 Homecoming Court.

Freshman

Freshman Shannon Higgins was selected as the sole representative for the Class of 2028. As a member of the lacrosse team and the JV cheer team, Higgins encountered both new and familiar faces through the process of preparing for Homecoming. 

“It’s my first Homecoming, so I am pretty nervous about it, but I think it will be great with all of the other girls on the court. There were people who’ve done it before and people who were doing it for their first time too, so it felt nice to relate to them on different levels,” Higgins said.

Sophomores

Sophomore Nia Rilpuou is the first member of the Class of 2027 featured. As a varsity cheerleader and active contributor to the yearbook, Rilpuou knows all too well the pressure of being in the spotlight as part of a larger group. 

“I’m happy and surprised, too, because I didn’t know that I was nominated. When I saw my name, it was shocking,” Rilpuou said. “I’m scared because I have no idea what to do, but I’m excited. Knowing [others] on the court is nice since I won’t be alone.” 

Sophomore Amoret Todaro is also a member of the varsity cheer team, having cheered for four years prior to this season. As a result, in addition to being recognized as a sophomore court member during the pep rally and Homecoming football game, she will be performing alongside her team.

“I was really surprised because I never tried to promote myself — I was really honored. I cheer with [Rilpuou], so I’m looking forward to riding in the parade with her and making signs together,” Todaro said.

Juniors

Moving up a grade, junior Hayden Oakley is a member of Feminist Club, Student Sustainability Club and Blue Crew. Last year, Oakley was a finalist for court but wasn’t selected as one of the two representatives.

“Last year, I was sad because a lot of people wanted it for me. Making it this year was amazing — I didn’t think I ever would,” Oakley said. “It’s been so much fun and I haven’t been stressed because I’m doing it with my friends. With this being my junior year, I’m facing a lot of firsts: first Powderpuff, first time on court, even first prom, and I’m so excited for all of it.”

Next up is junior Hannah Jacquin. With this being every junior’s first time on the court, Jacquin and her peers have been staying in close communication throughout the process of coordinating plans.

“I was in one of my classes [when I found out], and the first thing I did was text my mom. This is a really cool opportunity, and I’m excited to ride in a car in the parade with my friends,” Jacquin said.

The final court member for the Class of 2026 is junior Kamori Berry. Berry is no stranger to the scene — as the junior class president, this is her third year working on the event.

“I’m usually on spirit court, so it was a shock getting on the main [Homecoming] court this time. It feels more serious that people chose me for this,” Berry said. “I’m glad people think that I can represent our grade in [this] light.”

Seniors

Beyond being the captain of the varsity Lacrosse team and a Marketing Officer on Longhorn Council, senior Maddy Tarter is a two-time court member. Initially nominated as a sophomore, Tarter is one of three students to previously have been featured on the court.

“I still remember how much fun [it was], and it made the week even better. Being on [court] again [means] I get to redo it, and I love that I’m able to do that,” Tarter said. “I’m excited to see everyone dressed up for all the spirit days. Friday’s my favorite day of the year [because] of all the energy.”

Senior Fatimah Al-Jaff is breaking barriers with her court reign. As the first woman of color voted onto the Class of 2025’s portion of the court, her presence as Homecoming royalty holds significance that extends beyond simply herself.

“Not only being a person of color but also being Muslim, this gives other girls a chance to feel like they can do it too. If I can do it, they can do it,” Al-Jaff said. “I want people to venture out and know that it’s okay to be the only one: whatever race you are, whatever religion you are, go have fun.”

With over eight extracurricular activities under her belt, senior Gabbie Catlett is also a returning court member. Though she’d been anticipating the results for some time, she received the news in a different setting than the rest of her peers.

Senior year is different for Catlett, however; the four court members are finalists for the coveted title of Homecoming Queen.

Homecoming Queen

The 2024 Homecoming Queen is senior Josie Grunzinger. She’s a three-sport athlete, the Varsity girls’ basketball captain and a fresh face on court this year. Her victory was announced during the pep rally on Friday when principal John McCabe handed her the coveted golden football.

“He was walking around and juking me out, I thought he was going to the other side. He was faking me out so much, I honestly didn’t know [I won],” Grunzinger said. “I’m so happy – my friends were nominated too, so it didn’t matter who won, but it feels like the cherry on top. Everything is 10 times more exciting. I’m ready for the dance and to have fun there.”