In accordance with a 102-year-old tradition, this year’s University of Idaho Homecoming royalty will be elected based on more than popularity.
Voting for royalty has become part of a three-tiered system, which now includes a biography review and an interview with a panel of university faculty and staff, making student votes even more important. The 12 finalists submitted a one-page biography, underwent the interview process and now wait on student votes.
Jim Martinez, royalty co-chair, said the committee is looking for a well-rounded individual to represent the student body.
“Now it’s not just a popularity contest,” Martinez said.
The winners of this year’s titles will be crowned at the bonfire Friday after the Serpentine in the Kibbie Dome parking lot, and will participate in the annual Homecoming parade through downtown Moscow. They will also be on the field during halftime at the Homecoming game Saturday.
Students are asked to vote for three candidates in each category. A king and queen will be crowned, as well as first and second runners up. Those six will constitute the 2011 Homecoming court.
The court is responsible for representing the students of UI in a “positive light” for the duration of their reign. They will be asked to meet with deans, volunteer for Vandal events, and take part in Vandal spirit activities.
“The court is a symbol for the university,” Martinez said.
Nominated for this year’s queen are finalists, Chelsea Goicoechea, Allie Lester, Georgia Powell, Tayler Marshall, Samantha Perez, Stephanie Fuqua and Samantha Storms.
For king, students can vote for Joseph Black, Andrew Dahlquist, Nathan Miller, Juan Luis Corona, Brock Crawford and Stephen Parrott.
To vote and view the list of candidates, visit HYPERLINK and use your UI (lab) login.
Voting closes at 10 p.m. Wednesday.