Members of the Homecoming and Beau Courts were asked by The Lion’s Roar to provide input regarding the position on their respective court. Those who responded are pictured with their thoughts.

Alanna Arceneaux

The Lion’s Roar: Why do you want to be Homecoming Queen?

Arceneaux: “If I were to become Homecoming Queen, I would be shocked yet super excited. In high school, becoming Homecoming Queen is typically for the ‘popular’ girl and mainly used just for another title to add to their name. However, in college, it means so much more. It shows that you’re a people-person, someone memorable and someone worth talking to.”

TLR: What is your favorite aspect of Southeastern? Why?

Arceneaux: “It’s a place where an entire student body comes together to better themselves and grow. I love that Southeastern offers a welcoming and accepting university to help engage students. It’s not just about numbers or flashy items, it’s about a community of students supporting students.”

TLR: Share one of your favorite memories from your time at the university.

Arceneaux: “One of my favorite memories from Southeastern was receiving my acceptance letter. I was so ready for college and knowing that I could attend my first choice of universities was exciting.”

Cailin Sampey

TLR: Why do you want to be Homecoming Queen?

Sampey: “I would love to represent Southeastern as the 2019 Homecoming Queen so that I may have the chance to give back to the Southeastern community just as much as it has given to me. I bleed green and gold and would be so proud to be recognized with the honor.”

TLR: What is your favorite aspect of Southeastern? Why?

Sampey: “My favorite aspect of Southeastern is the close-knit community. I have gained so many lifelong friendships through Lionettes, AOII, and other organizations on campus. I have had the opportunity to personally know my professors and fellow students which has helped in my academic growth through my years at SLU.”

TLR: Share one of your favorite memories from your time at the university.

Sampey: “My favorite memory from my time here at SLU was definitely when the 2018 Lionettes won nationals in Orlando. We were able to bring our Lion pride to Florida and show everyone how amazing it is to represent Southeastern. There is no greater feeling than being rewarded for your hard work and dedication.”

Jessica Litolff

The Lion’s Roar: Why do you want to be Homecoming Queen?

Litolff: “I am so excited to be a part of Southeastern’s 2019 Homecoming. I want to thank everyone who voted It is such an honor to represent the university and the student body.”

TLR: What is your favorite aspect of Southeastern? Why?

Litolff: “My favorite aspect of Southeastern is the welcoming environment of campus. I love walking around and seeing friends and familiar faces.”

TLR: Share one of your favorite memories from your time at the university.

Litolff: “One of my favorite memories during my time at Southeastern is joining my sorority- Alpha Omicron Pi. These women are my best friends and biggest supporters. Being a member of AOII has pushed me to hold leadership positions, join other organizations on campus, be a friend to others, and try things outside of my comfort zone.”

Jordyn McKey

TLR: Why do you want to be Homecoming Queen?

Mckey: “I’m honestly just honored to be on court – never would I had ever thought I’d be on my university’s Homecoming Court. So, just being one of the seven women on court is an honor, and I couldn’t ask for more.”

TLR: What is your favorite aspect of Southeastern? Why?

Mckey: “My favorite aspect is our community and how close knit our student body is. Everyday in class and just walking around campus, I truly feel wanted here and like I fit in.”

TLR: Share one of your favorite memories from your time at the university.

Mckey: “Some of my favorite memories are seeing Mr. Faucheux’s contagious smile in Garrett Hall.”

Katherine Gunther

TLR: Why do you want to be Homecoming Queen?

Gunther: “It would be the most pleasant surprise and the greatest honor. I want to be Homecoming Queen to continue to represent this university with the greatest sense of love and pride. My heart bleeds green and gold, and I would be honored to let that shine through this title.”

TLR: What is your favorite aspect of Southeastern? Why?

Gunther: “My favorite aspect of Southeastern is the close-knit environment that has become my home away from home. As a freshman, going to a university where you don’t know many people can be scary. But now that I am beginning my junior year, it is evident that since SLU is the perfect fit for me.”

TLR: Share one of your favorite memories from your time at the university.

Gunther: “One of my favorite memories at Southeastern would have to be the first time I tailgated as a student. I tailgated for the first time at the Homecoming game in 2017, and I loved watching the floats go by during the parade and the atmosphere in Friendship Circle throughout the tailgate. I always hoped that I would have the honor of being on Homecoming Court, and I can’t believe that I am lucky enough to experience court this week.”

Kayla Monlyn

TLR: Why do you want to be Homecoming Queen?

Monlyn: “From being heavily involved on campus, to being a mentor to several students, being one of the representing faces for campus by being an orientation leader, and now being on Homecoming Court is such an honor. With that being said, I’d like to continue my legacy with becoming 2019 Homecoming Queen. It embodies me because it’s modest and centered around school spirit.”

TLR: What is your favorite aspect of Southeastern? Why?

Monlyn: “My favorite aspect of Southeastern is the countless opportunities to be successful. Southeastern has something for everyone: from understanding professors, work study programs, career fairs, more than 30 organizations to network through and more.”

TLR: Share one of your favorite memories from your time at the university.

Monlyn: “My experience as being an orientation leader is my favorite memory. It took a lot of dedication and creativity, but it was the best summer I’ve experienced while being in college. Being able to tell students about my experiences and about the university first hand was the best experience.”

Johnathan Zeringue

TLR: Why do you want to be Homecoming King?

Zeringue: “I aspire to be Homecoming King because it would be an honor to represent the university with such a respected title. Being Homecoming King would demonstrate my school spirit and my involvement. I would have a platform to show my love for the student body, faculty and entire Hammond community.”

TLR: What is your favorite aspect of Southeastern? Why?

Zeringue: “My favorite aspect of Southeastern has to be the close connection between faculty, students and campus involvement. I consider the university my home away from home because I feel well-connected with the entire campus staff and students. It also makes it easier to get involved with student or campus-wide organizations, and I am extremely proud to be a part of such a supportive community.”

TLR: Share one of your favorite memories from your time at the university.

Zeringue: “One of my favorite memories from Southeastern is when I had the chance to be a 2019 Orientation Leader. It was such a life-changing experience, and I loved spending my entire summer helping incoming students adjust to their new home and developing my leadership abilities.”

Celestin White

TLR: Why do you want to be Homecoming King?

White: “I want to be Homecoming King because I believe I embody what it means to be a campus and community leader. A few characteristics that I possess are that I am altruistic, loving, caring, goal-oriented, well-rounded, involved and a learner. In order to be a campus and community leader, you must first be passionate to learn what is and is not going on. Then you must be able to be genuinely willing to help those in need.”

TLR: What is your favorite aspect of Southeastern? Why?

White: “Every class that I have attended since freshman year, my teachers have known me by my first and last name and were always eager to help me. It is also beneficial because you can easily get to know your classmates and form study groups and I have even made life-long friendships.”

TLR: Share one of your favorite memories from your time at the university.

White: “One of my favorite memories here at Southeastern was my new member presentation into my fraternity, The Nu Omega Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. It was unique because it was the first presentation ever held in Strawberry Stadium, and I got to share such a historic moment with my new brothers that were on stage with me, as well as a large crowd of family and friends.”

Those not pictured here but also on the court:

Keenan Austin – biological sciences major; organizations: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Omega Alpha, Project P.U.L.L., Student Government Association

Cameron Duhon – marketing major; organizations: Delta Tau Delta, College of Business Ambassadors, Southeastern Sales Association

Matthew Matherne – occupational safety, health and environment major; organizations: Delta Tau Delta, American Society of Safety Professionals, 2019 Orientation Leader

Darius Woodfork – criminal justice major; organizations: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Black Student Union, Student Government Association

Peyton Licciardi – accounting major; organizations: Kappa Sigma, Ducks Unlimited

Aesha Magee – health systems management major; organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., NAACP