Program Board members are inviting seniors to fill the shoes of royalty.

Homecoming Court Nominations are being accepted until Sunday. A form to submit a nomination is available at www.johnstown.pitt.edu/homecoming.

Campus Activities Director Heather Hall, the Program Board adviser,  said qualified candidates must be a full-time student who has completed at least 90 credits and has a 2.0 GPA or higher.

“This year, nominees must complete a bio form online and a few questions regarding their interest in representing their group,” Hall said.

Nominees are then to participate in an interview with faculty and staff members.

“The remaining nominees are to be narrowed down to eight king and eight queen candidates to undergo a voting process among students,” Hall said.

“Court members are chosen based on their leadership qualities, school spirit and achievement through their contributions and involvement at Pitt-Johnstown,” Hall said.

According to Hall, a new court reveal event is set to take place Sept. 26.

“We hope to have people at the Mt. Cat Club at noon when the 16 finalists are announced.

“This would allow their student groups to see them receive their sashes and get photos.”

Hall said she is working to enlist the help of last year’s king and queen for the announcement.

 “Of course, candidates will find out the results ahead of time so that students who do not make it are not finding that out publicly.

“This will be a reveal to campus for the court and the start of official campaigning,” Hall said.

Sam Miller, a recent graduate and former homecoming candidate, said the experience was both an honor and a way to make memories.

“All of us were in it to add hype to the homecoming festivities,” Miller said of his role.

Kayley McKay, who was crowned homecoming queen in 2017, said she encourages students to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the tradition.

“Running for homecoming was a very special experience for me,” McKay said.

“I ran as a Greek life representative. When I won, I was in complete disbelief. 

“We had done so much campaigning and networking because it had been so many years since Greek life had taken the crown. We really wanted to go for it. I’m glad we did. 

“Homecoming really brings the whole school together. You get to see all the faces of your campus.

 “It’s also such a fun time being with your friends and being proud of the groups you represent and feeling that community with your friends rooting for you,” McKay said.