Written by: Crystal Olmedo
Members of Riverside City College’s homecoming courts eagerly anticipated the coronation at the pregame activities of the Nov. 7 homecoming football game.
Homecoming queen hopeful and Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society Secretary Ilka Serrano shared her thoughts about how running for the homecoming court helped her to build relationships with her fellow court members.
“I enjoyed the time I got to spend with my fellow candidates. We had such a special bond and now we are so excited for each other,” Serrano said. “No matter what happens we’re going to come away from this with all these memories.”
Instead of collecting votes this year candidates collected points from competing in homecoming games, including a lip sync, as well as individual interviews and giving speeches before a panel.
“We didn’t want to do a voting contest because we didn’t think that was fair to students … the people you know or getting out and saying, ‘vote for me’ really shouldn’t determine whether you’re as enthusiastic as another candidate or more academically prominent” Kaitlin Glenn, ASRCC campus activities council said.
Court member and Ujima club member, Jazmyn Williams, said she was impressed with the etiquette of the court candidates.
“I went into this not really knowing what to expect. The moment I stepped in the room, it was just a lot of love. We didn’t downplay each other. During the games we were just cheering each other on,” Williams said. “Our school in general is accepting school. You can see it in the diversity of our clubs and the presence of high morals and ethics here.”
For the first time in Riverside City College’s history there was a tie for the title of homecoming queen. Lizzette Capul and Christina E. Henderson were both crowned queens by last year’s queen and ASRCC vice president, Rakhee Uma.
Sedtavut Nilaad was crowned homecoming king.
“It’s perfect, it’s something different and something new,’ Henderson said.
Capul shared a similar sentiment in response to the results.
“I am truly honored to share the title of homecoming queen with Christina and enjoy being homecoming king and queen with my friend Sedavut Nilaad,” Capul said. “We made history and I hope people remember this when they look back at RCC’s Centennial.”
Andrew Lalyre won runner up for RCC homecoming king.
“I feel absolutely honored. This is the first time I’ve ever done anything like this, so being a part of something as special as the Centennial is honestly a very nice privilege to have,” Andrew Lalyre RCC homecoming court member said.
The half time show included performances by RCC’s Cheer and Dance team.
The cheer team showed of their school pride with an energetic performance to a medley of songs including “Black Betty” by the band Ram Jam and “Back in Black” by AC/DC.
The dance team performed to Michael Jackson’s “Working Day and Night,” with a flash mob of at least 100 people which included RCC musical theater ensemble, under the direction of Jodi Julian, associate professor of theater arts.
The routine was choreographed by associate professors of dance, Rita Chenoweth and Mark Haines and Denise Donovan, associate faculty of dance.
“We tried to include as many people as possible, but it is challenging when you have so many,” Haines said.
The crowed was practically silent during the dance performance with the exception of the members of the cheer team cheering for them on the sidelines.
RCC’s Marching Tigers blew away the audience with their powerful percussion and overall skill as they played “Legend of the One Eyed Sailor” conducted by brass tech Jeremy Buckley, under the direction of Gary Locke, director of the marching band and Sheila Locke, assistant director.
“Because of Gary and Sheila Locke, who have been here for 32 years, they are known as Hollywood’s band. They have been in more movies and music videos because of their support,” Haines said.
“This experience has been great and rewarding and we have loved every minute of it. We will be retiring June 10,” Sheila said. “We will be taking 358 people to Paris at the end of December, about 150 from RCC and surrounding high schools and marching on the Champs-Elysees which has not been open for a parade since Hitler. It’s a big deal and it’s why we stayed another year.”
The halftime performance ended with a stunning firework show which delighted all in attendance.