Ten senior girls were elected by their class to be on homecoming court for this year’s 2014 festivities.

The court consists of Alexis Anelli, Abigail Bentz, Stephanie Bortner, Brandi Bradford, Amie Larum, Mollie Larum, Brooke Manker, Brooke McGee, Brittney Fitzgerald, and Kaila Glenn.  One of these girls will be voted as homecoming queen by the student body, and the result will be revealed at the homecoming football game.

Many of the members of the court were both shocked and ecstatic to be voted on the court.  Manker was definitely not expecting her name to be called on the announcement.

“It’s really surprising,” said Manker. “But it’s also really exciting.”

Bradford, who has decided to be escorted by junior Jake Smith, is excited for all the events, including the pep rally, but also surprised that she was voted on the court.

“It’s awesome,” said Bradford. “I didn’t know I was that well-liked.”

All of the girls in the court will be actively involved in the homecoming pep rally, football game and dance like in previous years.

Anelli, who is being escorted by her boyfriend Ethan Paules, is specifically excited to walk across the football field with her parents during the homecoming game and is very grateful to have been voted on the court after being voted prom princess last school year.

“I’m very humbled,” said Anelli. “I honestly did not know it was going to happen.  We all know how big of a deal it is, and I’m with such great people that it’s really fun.”

All of the festivities associated with homecoming have evolved over time.  The traditions date back to the early 1900’s.  Many cite the 1911 University of Missouri’s football game as the first homecoming in the United States.  Even though the game resulted in a 3-3 tie, thousands of alumni celebrated with a parade, spirit rally and bonfire afterwards.  During the 1920’s, homecoming festivities had become widespread and common.  As one of the first homecoming court references, Hal Roberts and Doris Burghardt were named homecoming king and queen in the 1937 edition of The Badger.

Susquehannock’s first homecoming dates back to October of 1987 where all of the festivities were viewed in a much more royal and formal light.  Heidi Little was voted as homecoming queen by her classmates, and the court consisted of ten senior girls.

Being voted on homecoming court by peers is a huge privilege.  Business education teacher and student council adviser Kellin McCullough notes that the recognition of being on the court is a big deal.

“It’s an honor that your classmates elected you to represent them in your senior homecoming.” said McCullough.

With the homecoming court solidified, the excitement for homecoming will build until the dance on Saturday, October 4 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.