Senior Raquel Dunio and her escort, senior Wesley Young, represent chorus at the Homecoming assembly. At the assembly, candidates were introduced to the student body.
Homecoming candidates introduce themselves
At the Homecoming assembly Friday Oct. 4, Homecoming candidates gathered for the first time to kick off a week of activities. Candidates posted posters on the bridge to announce their candidacy and will be collecting donations for charity as they move on to Games Night. Candidates will celebrate with a dance and the winner will be announced at the home football game Friday Oct. 11. Each candidate sat down with Mountain Echo reporters.
Clubs
Whiting’s World Julia Whiting is the candidate for key club.
Q: Why did you run for Homecoming candidate?
A: I ran because I thought it would be a good way to get involved with the student body.
Q: If you are chosen as the king or queen, how will you fulfill the responsibilities associated with the title?
A: I would continue to be a good student and involve myself in the community.
Q: What is the best thing about Homecoming?
A: I think its a fun experience with my friends, and I’ve been on a team and fun to get involved.
Q: What are your plans for the future? Which colleges, if any, are you planning to go?
A: I hope to go to Penn State advertising.
Q: Why should people vote for you?
A: I have a lot of school spirit; I’m an active member of school activities. I think that Homecoming is a good way to get the community involved.
Kass’s Kasino Kassidy Duclos is the candidate for the FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) club.
Q: Why did you run for homecoming candidate?
A: Running for homecoming, in my opinion, is a great way to represent our school and to strive to be the best person you can be.
Q: If you are chosen as the king or queen, how will you fulfill the responsibilities associated with the title?
A: If I were chosen to be the homecoming queen, I would continue to always have a smile on my face and be that person who people feel they can depend on if needed.
Q: What is the best thing about Homecoming?
A: Making memories that I will never forget for our senior year together.
Q: What are your plans for the future? Which colleges, if any, are you planning to go?
A: I have always enjoyed the feeling after I have helped someone, so I would love to carry that on into the medical field. Over the summer I applied to Penn State.
Q: Why should people vote for you?
A: Instead of people voting for their friends I feel they should choose someone who is a hard worker, well rounded and devoted.
Palmerine’s Paradise Rachel Palmerine is the candidate for Girl’s League.
Q: Why did you run for homecoming candidate?
A: I ran because I was on the tenth-grade team for girls’ league and thought it would be fun to do it my senior year.
Q: If you are chosen as the king or queen, how will you fulfill the responsibilities associated with the title?
A: I feel like it would be a fun thing for me and have the younger students look up to me.
Q: What is the best thing about Homecoming?
A: Skits and games night, getting dressed up for the dance and getting close with your teams is the best thing.
Q: What are your plans for the future? Which colleges, if any, are you planning to go?
A: I am planning to become a middle school math teacher, and I am interested in Bloomsburg College.
Q: Why should people vote for you?
A: I think it would be a fun thing to be queen for Homecoming, and I think it would be fun because I am nice and sweet.
Thaler’s Travelers Brett Thaler is the candidate for FLC (Foreign Language Club).
Q: Why did you run for homecoming candidate?
A: I ran for homecoming candidate because I knew this was my senior year, and I wanted to make the most out of it. I knew that this was something that I wanted to do during my senior year since tenth grade and knew that it would be a lot of work but would also be very fun. Getting to put together a skit with some of my friends and also get to compete against some of my friends I also knew would be very fun.
Q: If you are chosen as king or queen, how will you fulfill the responsibilities associated with the title?
A: I would be a respectful and active student in the Altoona Area High School. I would continue to be a part of the many clubs and activities that the AAHS offers and would also strive to be a great role model for my fellow AAHS classmates.
Q: What is the best thing about Homecoming?
A: Probably getting to hang out with some of my friends who I don’t get to see very often.
Q: What are your plans for the future? Which colleges, if any, are you planning to go?
A: I am planning to go to Pitt, Penn State or Temple University.
Q: Why should people vote for you?
A: I am a very nice person who enjoys being a part of the Altoona Area High School. I am a member of many clubs and also participate in many school events.
Sidnie’s Spice Girls Sidnie Yoder is the candidate for the Lioneers dance team.
Q: Why did you run for homecoming candidate?
A: I’ve always enjoyed watching the Homecoming process throughout high school, and I’ve wanted to run for a long time. The whole experience intrigued me, and I figured it would be a fun experience to look back on after I graduate.
Q: If you are chosen as the king or queen, how will you fulfill the responsibilities associated with the title?
A: I will remain involved in the school and the club and fulfill whatever actions are asked of me in order to be the best queen I can be.
Q: What is the best thing about Homecoming?
A: My favorite part would have to be skit and games night. I enjoy watching everyone’s skits and participating/competing in the games.
Q: What are your plans for the future? Which colleges, if any, are you planning to go?
A: I plan to attend Penn State University and try out for the Lionettes dance team. I have not decided on my exact major yet, but I will most likely pursue something involving the medical field.
Q: Why should people vote for you?
A: I try to be a very nice person to everyone, and if I were to be the chosen candidate I would strive to improve student life for the entire school in any way possible.
Ally’s Area 51 Allison Peterman is the candidate for the Astronomy club.
Q: Why did you run for Homecoming candidate?
A: I ran for Homecoming candidate because I saw the girls do it in tenth grade, and I immediately knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. It looked so fun and rewarding, plus I wanted to run for my favorite club. Astronomy means so much to me, and it’s amazing that I got to run for the club.
Q: If you are chosen as the king or queen, how will you fulfill the responsibilities associated with the title?
A: I would certainly do my best to keep my grades as high as they can. That’s one of the most important things. A goal of mine this year is to judge less as well, so I want to try to generally be a better person. I think if I was chosen as queen I would reflect kindness and hard work with the title.
Q: What is the best thing about Homecoming?
A: I really like the dance and always have fun at the dance. This year’s dance will be more meaningful since it is my senior year.
Q: What are your plans for the future? Which colleges, if any, are you planning to go?
A: I have applied to Penn State Altoona and am waiting for a response. I want to be a psychologist.
Q: Why should people vote for you?
A: I think I work very hard, and I like to make new friends. I hope everyone’s school year is great. I have that growth mindset that the school needs.
Sports
Delaney’s Dirtbikes Delaney Crider is the candidate for the softball team.
Q: Why did you run for homecoming candidate?
A: I thought I would make a responsible and a good candidate.
Q: If you are chosen as the king or queen, how will you fulfill the responsibilities associated with the title?
A: I’d be sure to represent the school well and to go above and beyond in all that I do.
Q: What is the best thing about Homecoming?
A: I really like making the skit.
Q: What are your plans for the future? Which colleges, if any, are you planning to go?
A: I want to go to Penn State for nursing.
Q: Why should people vote for you?
A: I’m responsible, caring and represent the school well.
Marissa’s Main Event Marissa Vilano is the candidate for track and field.
Q: Why did you run for Homecoming candidate?
A: I ran for Homecoming because in tenth grade I was on a Homecoming team, and it was a fun experience.
Q: If you were chosen as the king or queen, how will you fulfill the responsibilities associated with the title?
A: My duty as Homecoming queen would be presenting the check to the chosen charity.
Q: What is the best thing about Homecoming?
A: The best thing about Homecoming is coming together with all of my friends to do something fun in our last year of high school.
Q: What are your plans for the future? Which colleges, if any, are you planning to go?
A: I’m looking at Duquesne University and Slippery Rock University for their Physician’s Assistant programs.
Q: Why should people vote for you?
A: People should vote for me because I have been elected into leadership positions within the school, so I would be a good representative as Homecoming Queen.
Lexi’s Lion King Lexi Whysong is the candidate for cheerleading.
Q: Why did you run for homecoming candidate?
A: I honestly didn’t think I was going to get it, but I talked to my friends and they thought it was fun. So I ran, and my teammates elected me.
Q: If you are chosen as the king or queen, how will you fulfill the responsibilities associated with the title?
A: If I won, I’d be the exact same because you already have those qualities that’s what makes you queen.
Q: What is the best thing about Homecoming?
A: The whole dance in general. The dancing, getting dressed up, being with your friends.
Q: What are your plans for the future? Which colleges, if any, are you planning to go?
A: I hope to go to college after high school and participate in a physical therapy program.
Q: Why should people vote for you?
A: People should vote for me because I feel that I’m a well-rounded student. I’m smart, athletic and am involved with the school.
Kratzer’s Karate Kids Julianna Kratzer is the candidate for girls’ cross country.
Q: Why did you run for Homecoming candidate?
A: I ran for Homecoming for fun honestly. I also thought that it would be a good way to get the word out about cross country.
Q: If you are chosen as the king or queen, how will you fulfill the responsibilities associated with the title?
A: If I was chosen as queen I would follow all the rules and do everything by the book, such as handling the donation to charity.
Q: What is the best thing about Homecoming?
A: I think the best thing about Homecoming is getting people involved with the school’s extracurricular activities.
Q: What are your plans for the future? Which colleges, if any, are you planning to go?
A: I would like to go to Bloomsburg University and major in either biology or exercise science to become either a physical therapist or a chiropractor.
Q: Why should people vote for you?
A: I think that people should vote for me because I want to break the trend of the popular kids always winning to show that everyone has a chance.
Kayli’s Kandyland Kayli Barefoot is the candidate for Sparkle cheerleading.
Q: Why did you run for Homecoming candidate?
A: Because I wanted to represent Sparkle because it gets no recognition, and I wanted people to know about it.
Q: If you are chosen as the king or queen, how will you fulfill the responsibilities associated with the title?
A: I would represent the school well because I’m involved in school and community.
Q: What is the best thing about Homecoming?
A: I enjoy the activities, skits, planning and being with my friends.
Q: What are your plans for the future? Which colleges, if any, are you planning to go?
A: I want to go to Penn State and study psychology.
Q: Why should people vote for you?
A: I feel like I represent the school very well and that I fulfill the responsibilities of a student well.
Riley’s Restlers Riley Boutiller is the candidate for wrestling.
Q: Why did you run for Homecoming candidate?
A: I ran for Homecoming because of so many different movies and shows that I watched growing up showed the experience, and I really just looked up to it and really wanted to run for it.
Q: If you are chosen as the king or queen, how will you fulfill the responsibilities associated with the title?
A: If I was chosen as queen I would fulfill the responsibilities by continuing to work super hard in my classes and be a good role model for the upcoming students.
Q: What is the best thing about Homecoming?
A: The best thing about Homecoming is just being able to plan out how you are gonna dress up and who you are going to hang out with the night of the dance.
Q: What are your plans for the future? Which colleges, if any, are you planning to go?
A: My plan for the future is to go to college for sports medicine/athletic training and hopefully get a good job somewhere close to here. My choice for college is the California University of Pennsylvania.
Q: Why should people vote for you?
A: I think people should vote for me because I want to represent this school in a positive way and represent school spirit in a fun way.
Faith’s Flintstones Faith Milliron is the candidate for girls’ swimming.
Q: Why did you run for Homecoming candidate?
A: I thought it would be a good way to make my senior fun.
Q: If you are chosen as the king or queen, how will you fulfill the responsibilities associated with the title?
A: I would be hardworking and fulfill those responsibilities by helping others to the best of my ability.
Q: What is the best thing about Homecoming?
A: I enjoy getting dressed up with my friends.
Q: What are your plans for the future? Which colleges, if any, are you planning to go?
A: I want to go to Pittsburgh main and major in neuroscience.
Q: Why should people vote for you?
A: I am a kind, loving and responsible person who just wants the best for everyone else.
Caranda’s Crew Caranda Parea is the Homecoming candidate for girls’ basketball.
Q: Why did you run for Homecoming candidate?
A: I ran for Homecoming because I was a part of a team during my sophomore year, and I had a blast. I wanted to have the same experience again.
Q: If you are chosen as the king or queen, how will you fulfill the responsibilities associated with the title?
A: If I was chosen, I would fulfill the requirements with pride and enjoyment. Homecoming is supposed to be fun, and I would carry that over into all of the tasks associated with winning.
Q: What is the best thing about Homecoming?
A: The best thing about Homecoming is getting together with your team and having fun. These are memories that can not be replaced.
Q: What are your plans for the future? Which colleges, if any, are you planning to go?
A: I am attending George Washington University on a full athletic scholarship for basketball.
Q: Why should people vote for you?
A: People should vote for me because I represent what the school should be about. I am involved in many activities while handling a difficult class load. I’m also going to enjoy the entire process, winning or not.
Where’s Worley? Jessica Worley is the Homecoming candidate for girls’ soccer.
Q: Why did you run for Homecoming candidate?
A: One of the biggest reasons I ran for Homecoming was because two years ago my sister Jen Worley ran for Homecoming and she had a lot of fun and I wanted to do it myself and have fun.
Q: If you are chosen as the king or queen, how will you fulfill the responsibilities associated with the title?
A: I would fulfill my responsibilities by doing my best to be a good leader and role model for the underclassmen.
Q: What is the best thing about Homecoming?
A: The best thing about Homecoming is getting creative with skits and the theme days and also getting to spend a lot of extra time with my friends.
Q: What are your plans for the future? Which colleges, if any, are you planning to go?
A: I would like to either go to Duquesne University or Pitt University and possibly enter into Air Force ROTC at either school.
Q: Why should people vote for you?
A: I think if people see me as a good leader and a nice person then people should vote for me.
Fine Arts Department
Dunio’s Disney Vacation Raquel Dunio is the candidate for the chorus.
Q: Why did you run for Homecoming candidate?
A: I wanted to run because I’ve been on homecoming teams the past two years, and I just thought it would be a really fun experience to do with my friends.
Q: If you are chosen as the queen, how would you fulfill the responsibilities associated with the title?
A: I would be responsible to donate our funds raised to the charity we chose this year which is the Humane Society.
Q: What is the best thing about Homecoming?
A: Getting to form a team and creating a funny skit with all of your friends.
Q: What are your plans for the future? Which colleges, if any, are you planning to go?
A: Go to college and study engineering. I’m going to apply to UCF and Penn State.
Q: Why should people vote for you?
A: My team and I have worked really hard on my skit and poster, and I am very active not only in my club but throughout the school as well. I’m not just doing this to win, however, it is just a really exciting experience.
Maeve’s Mystery Machine Maeve Wonderly is the candidate for the marching band.
Q: Why did you run for Homecoming candidate?
A: I was on Homecoming teams my sophomore and junior years and absolutely loved it, so I figured why not run myself!
Q: If you are chosen as the queen, how would you fulfill the responsibilities associated with the title?
A: I’m respectful and kind to everyone, so I think that would help me fulfill the duties.
Q: What is the best thing about Homecoming?
A: Definitely games night, I think performing a fun skit and playing games with friends is such a fun time.
Q: What are your plans for the future? Which colleges, if any, are you planning to go?
A: I’d love to go to the Manhattan School of Music or Penn State.
Q: Why should people vote for you?
A: Because I’ve put some hard work into Homecoming this year.
Adrianna in Wonderland Adrianna Huss is the candidate for the drama club.
Q: Why did you run for Homecoming candidate?
A: I am running for Homecoming because I wanted to be able to represent a club that has taught me so much throughout my high-school career and has always been very important to me. I also thought that it would be a great experience to be able to look back on in my future.
Q: If you are chosen as the queen, how would you fulfill the responsibilities associated with the title?
A: If I were to win Homecoming queen, I would fulfill my responsibilities by maintaining a good academic standing and by spreading positivity and school spirit to everyone in order to make AAHS feel more like home for everyone.
Q: What is the best thing about Homecoming?
A: My absolute favorite thing about homecoming is being part of a group of individuals who are all so supportive of each other, whether they are other candidates or my amazing teammates, who have done so much for me.
Q: What are your plans for the future? Which colleges, if any, are you planning to go?
A: I am planning on going to college after I graduate, potentially Penn State or a college that is good for my major. I am hoping to go into a field where I can help those in need or where I can continue my passion for music.
Q: Why should people vote for you?
A: I feel that I could be a good representation of our school. I believe that I am a pretty well-rounded person. I try my hardest to be as inclusive as I can and spread kindness as I feel that it is important to leave a good impact on others.
Sarah Suess Sarah Stanley is the candidate for the orchestra.
Q: Why did you run for Homecoming candidate?
A: I ran for homecoming because I thought it would be a fun and creative way to help out the community which is something I always strive to do whenever possible.
Q: If you are chosen as the queen, how would you fulfill the responsibilities associated with the title?
A: If I were chosen, I would be honored to help out the charity and represent the school in a positive way. I am also very interested in getting involved in as much as possible and doing whatever possible to benefit the school and community connections.
Q: What is the best thing about Homecoming?
A: I think the best thing about Homecoming is the opportunity to bring people together for a good cause. I think the planning and various activities we participate in to fundraise are unique and enjoyable to be a part of.
Q: What are your plans for the future? Which colleges, if any, are you planning to go?
A: I am planning to go to college for equine-assisted therapy. I am currently looking at Johnson and Wales, Penn State or Wilson college.
Q: Why should people vote for you?
A: People should vote for me because I am passionate about helping people and I would love to make helping others a fun and rewarding process and reach out to as many people as possible.
Willett’s Willy Wonka Cheyenne Willett is the candidate for the silks.
Q: Why did you run for Homecoming candidate?
A: I ran for Homecoming because I wanted my group to be represented. Also to show school pride in what we do as a silk.
Q: If you are chosen as the queen, how would you fulfill the responsibilities associated with the title?
A: I would be a good well better student for school pride and academically.
Q: What is the best thing about Homecoming?
A: I feel the best thing about Homecoming is working as a team and making more memories in my senior year.
Q: What are your plans for the future? Which colleges, if any, are you planning to go?
A: My main plan is to go join the Marines full time. If I planned on going to a college it would be Wyo Tech.
Q: Why should people vote for you?
A: I think people should vote for me because I am kind and I would do anything for someone if it was needed. Plus, I enjoy showing school spirit at any school-related event.
Chipperfield’s Circus
Kelly Chipperfield is the candidate for the majorettes.
Q: Why did you run for homecoming candidate?
A: To find out all of the fun activities that I will be doing.
Q: If you are chosen as the queen, how would you fulfill the responsibilities associated with the title?
A: I would want to make sure everyone will be friends and try to eliminate the drama.
Q: What is the best thing about Homecoming?
A: All of the games and activities.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: I want to be a Cosmetologist.
Q: Why should people vote for you?
A: I am a nice person to be around and once people get to know me I am fun to be with.
