University News

2014 WIU Homecoming Royalty Named

September 29, 2014

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MACOMB, IL — Voting for Western Illinois University's 2014 Homecoming king and queen will end at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1 at purplepost.wiu.edu. The winners will be announced at the annual Yell Like Hell event, starting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 in Western Hall.

New this year will be the announcements of a male and female runner-up. All of the members of the royal court will be in the Homecoming parade at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4.

Based on this year's homecoming theme, "A Hero's Homecoming - Who's Your Hero," candidates were asked who their hero is and why. This year's candidates for king and queen, by hometown, are:

Aurora, IL — Brandon Hayes is a senior majoring in communication and minoring in marketing. His hero is his mother, Eboni Hayes. "No matter what challenges we were faced with in life, she remained strong for me and my brothers and let us know that everything will be alright and we would make it through," said Hayes.

Downers Grove, IL — Katie Campagna is a junior majoring in special education. Her hero is her father. "He was the perfect example of a giver. He had a heart of gold and taught me to always be kind to everyone I met. It is because of him that I found my passion for working with people who have disabilities, and I hope to make the world a better place for people with disabilities in my future career,"said Campagna.

Hazel Crest, IL — Spencer Cotton is a senior majoring in business management. His hero is his father, Eric Cotton. "I have a firm belief that a father's presence in a boy's life helps create a man. With that, I can assure you that my father has strengthened me to be the man I am striving for every day by being a great provider for my family, an excellent mentor and showing unconditional support," said Cotton.

Lake in the Hills, IL — Colt Korth is a senior majoring in psychology and minoring in law enforcement and justice administration. His hero is Kyle Davis. "This man inspired me to be a great resident assistant and still encourages me to continue into graduate school. He is also my source for advice when I need more than just my own opinion," said Korth.

McHenry, IL — Jeff Coy is a senior majoring in law enforcement and justice administration. His hero is Pat Tillman. "He is an American hero who sacrificed his life for his country when he had so much to live for," said Coy.

Moline, IL — Alex Parkeris a junior majoring in exercise science and minoring in psychology. His hero is Hugh Jackman. "He is my hero because to me a hero represents a role model. He is a well-rounded person who has a great aesthetic build, is involved in many movies, is active at giving to charities and is a survivor of skin cancer. He is a relentless person who does not give up and will not stop until he has succeeded. I aspire to be like Hugh and strive for my dreams as he has done," said Parker.

New Holland, IL — Kaylee McAllister is a junior majoring is sociology and minoring in women's studies. Her heroes are her parents. "They have always pushed me to be the best I could be in anything I was doing. They have also been my number one cheerleaders my entire life. My mother and father have shown me what it means to be a good, honest and respectable individual. I aspire to be like them every day of my life," said McAllister.

Princeton, IL — Sarah Peterson is a junior majoring in physical education with an endorsement in health education. Her hero is Sharon Peterson. "She has shown me that respect for others will get me farther in life. Her inspiration of fulfilling the role of two parents after my father's passing has shown me strength and courage. She taught me that sometimes life is rough and it is up to you to make it the best that it can be. When life hands you lemons, you make lemonade," said Peterson.

Rockford, IL — Alexandra Zimmerman is a junior majoring in law enforcement and justice administration and minoring in Spanish. Her hero is her grandma. "She motivates me to always do my best and she inspires me by being optimistic about life no matter what the situation is," said Zimmerman.

Viola, IL — Vanessa Redpath is a junior majoring in special education and elementary education. Her hero is her dad. "After September 11, he enlisted in the military. He thought it was his duty as an American citizen. I have never seen someone have so much pride for their country and I have never seen him work so hard and show dedication for something he truly believed in," said Redpath.

For a complete schedule of Homecoming events, visit wiu.edu/homecoming.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing