By Javier Cabrera / Editor in Chief

King me (Allison Perez / Photo Editor)

By Javier Cabrera / Editor in Chief

Rain or shine, homecoming came to Riverside City College on a cloudy, chilly afternoon during the last tailgate party prior to the Nov. 12 football game against Southwestern College.

Following the celebration of spirit week, which included activities such as a scavenger hunt, karaoke, speeches, costumes, a pep rally and a special guest appearance from the stars of HBO’s “Superheroes,” the candidates running for homecoming king and queen made their pitch to win.

During their speeches to the judges, who were RCC faculty and staff members, the candidates had to explain what kind of superhero power they wanted and how they would use their power to protect the community at RCC, since the theme of this year’s homecoming was superheroes.

At the end Brian Bills won homecoming king and Nathieli Diaz won queen. The two beat out 11 other candidates who ran for either king or queen.

“It is important for me to represent for those students who feel like they are not good enough to do certain things like (running for homecoming),” said Diaz. “In the past there have been students who ran and have motivated and have encouraged other students like myself.”

Diaz said Domaine Javier, who won homecoming queen last year, inspired her to run this year because Javier is a transgender student, who represents a group of students who are usually not heard.

“For me, it is important to represent my students, which are Student Alliance for Education, those students are undocumented who are continuing with their higher education,” Diaz said.

Bills said he ran for homecoming king for the experience and to accomplish a personal achievement.

“I wanted to be a part of RCC and all of its different activities,” he said. “I ran (for homecoming king) in high school and I did not win, so I (still) want that crown.”

Douglas Graham, coordinator of Student Activities, said the purpose of homecoming is to allow students to enjoy having fun.

“The point of homecoming is not to deter from your studies, but to give students a break,” he said.

The goal of spirit week at RCC seemed to be a success as many RCC students felt the week was a hit.

“For the first time in RCC history, for myself, I felt a lot of school spirit,” said Jennifer Ortiz, an RCC student. “It was a new experience.”

Other RCC students felt every moment of the week was exciting.

“A lot of people applied (for homecoming) and were running so that was kind of exciting,” said Stephanie Drago, an RCC student. “The homecoming events of the week were really cool, hearing all the speeches and having them do their talents and activities was entertaining.”

Armando Moreno, an RCC student, said he felt RCC’s homecoming was more than the traditional homecoming festivals.

“This is the first time I have seen homecoming really be advertised out there. I hope it continues,” he said.

Homecoming ended with the RCC football team completing its undefeated season with an 59 – 24 victory over Southwestern College.

“It was a lot of fun,” Drago said. “It was the first game I had ever gone to in the history of being here at RCC.”