On September 27, with stadium lights shining, dresses glittering, and fans cheering, Oviedo High School presented their 2024 Homecoming Court. This year, there were more than a few familiar faces gracing the fifty-yard line.

Laureli Herrera was among the pair of seniors elevated to royalty that night. Herrera was a member of the 2023 Court as a junior, and expressed genuine surprise at their reelection. 

“It was a huge honor, and I am so grateful that people decided to elect me again,” they shared. 

Herrera has  been doing all they can to make the most of their senior year. Between participating in dress-up days and organizing senior events outside of school, they are going all in for their last year at Oviedo.Their counterpart, senior Isaiah Guthrie-Stringer, was also elected to the Court the previous year. A fan favorite, Stringer has the tremendous responsibility of being a drum major for the Marching Lions. Other returners include Nathan Capp and Brinley Turan.

For those looking to run next year, members of the Court shared their tips on campaigning for the crown. Sophomores Jackson Wainscott and Maddie Mehring are newcomers, but their strategy proved very successful. The two ran as a couple and posted online to promote their campaign. 

“My advice would be to make an online poster, share it to your social media, and run with a partner,” Wainscott recommended. 

Freshman Tiffany Blanco echoed their sentiments. 

“For Homecoming Court, I advertised by posting on social media, getting to know people, and being kind is a big part of it,” Blanco said.

To have the best time possible, the Court’s suggestion is simply to lean into the festivities. 

“Just slow down and take in every second, because it all goes so fast. Take as many pictures as you can and get together with your friends before and after. Do not worry about what other people think of you, and just dance/sing the whole time,” Herrera urged. 

A common criticism of the dance was that it was too warm inside the Commons, a few suggesting that the air conditioning could have been turned up to make a more comfortable environment. Still, the Court was in agreement that the night was full of fun and was a definite improvement from the year before. Elements like the music and out-of-this-world decorations truly enhanced the experience. The Student Government’s hours of work absolutely shined through in the end.