The excitement of Homecoming returns to campus next week – complete with a parade, tailgates, the football game, and the crowning of ϳԹ Royalty.
The twelve Homecoming Court finalists were unveiled at the annual Black Squirrel Festival, hosted by the , on Sept. 10, 2021. Two winners will have the distinction of being crowned ϳԹ Royalty when they are announced at halftime of the ϳԹ vs. Buffalo football game on October 2.
Associate Director for the Center for Student Involvement, Katie Syvanych, is excited to step out of the virtual capacity of 2020 and back into the pomp and circumstance that only an in-person Homecoming experience can provide.
“One of the staples for being selected for the court is participating in the annual parade, which they are very much looking forward to this year,” she said. “We are excited to announce the 2020 court will also be represented in this year’s parade!”
The finalists for 2021 include:
Hanna Airhart, a senior Exercise Science major, being sponsored by Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority,
Jatia Caples, a senior Integrated Social Studies major, being sponsored by the Women’s Center,
Caroline Foutty, a senior Human Development and Family Studies major, being sponsored by Kent Student Ambassadors,
Mai Francis, a senior English major, being sponsored by Student Success Programs,
Jennifer Greskovich, an Environmental Conservation Bio major, being sponsored by Manchester/Fletcher Residence Hall,
Rachel Hoffner, a Human Development and Family Studies major, being sponsored by the Exploratory Advising Center,
Jennefer Kennard, a Hospitality Management major, being sponsored by the Flash Activities Board,
Jenna Kerns, a Biotechnology major, being sponsored by ϳԹ Residence Services,
Luke Leyden, a Computer Engineering Tech major, being sponsored by Kent Student Ambassadors,
Andrew Pitko, an Environmental Conservation Bio major, being sponsored by Phi Delta Theta Fraternity,
Kirsten Redman, a Speech Pathology and Audiology major, being sponsored by the National Student Speech-Language and Hearing Association,
and,
Catherine Rischar, a Public Health major, being sponsored by the Public Health Student Alliance
The students will also participate in a series of events and photo ops around campus the week of Homecoming to allow voters to meet and get to know the finalists.
Those events include:
Monday, Sept. 27: Paint the K at noon on Risman Plaza.
Monday, Sept. 27: FlashBash sponsored by the Flash Activities Board on Risman Plaza 7-9 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 1: Homecoming Kickoff on City Lawn at 6 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 2: Parade down Main Street at 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 2: Football Game at Dix Stadium at 3:30 p.m.
“The 2021 Homecoming Court is a talented set of students that are eager to welcome back blue and gold pride to the campus experience,” said Syvanych.
Voting opens on Monday, Sept. 27 at 12:01 a.m. and closes at noon on Friday, Oct. 1.
Cast your vote at www.kent.edu/homecoming.