For the first time at GHC, an annual homecoming tradition has arrived. Petitions opened Sept. 17 with a deadline of Sept. 27 and officials announced the royalty winners on Oct. 14.

Each class had its own representative: freshman De’mari Benham, sophomore Ally Graden, junior Madeline Choate, senior Cheyenne Bailey, and overall GHC winner Naima Atalla. When asked about the experience, each winner shared a unique perspective on what being crowned means to them and how they hope to contribute to the college community.

“It’s such an honor,” Choate said. She added that the experience has been “memorable and comical,” sharing that being on the court with her close friends has made it all the more meaningful.

Atalla expressed her surprise, saying she felt “excited, shocked and just overwhelmed a little bit actually.” Graden shared a more personal motivation, explaining that college gave her a fresh start to try something she had been hesitant about in high school. “I always wanted to run in high school but was too scared of what people would say,” Graden said. “So, in college, I thought, ‘I’m 19 now. I don’t really care what people have to say anymore.’”

Bailey, an active member of various student organizations, highlighted her commitment to campus life. “Last year I was president of the Equality Alliance Club. This year I am SGA president,” she said. Bailey explained that her goal is to help boost student involvement and school spirit, something she feels has been central to her college experience.

Benham described his moment of recognition as both thrilling and nerve-wracking. “Honestly, I felt like all eyes were on me,” he said. “It felt amazing just to get recognized for what I’ve been doing on campus and the connections I’ve made.”

In terms of the qualities they believe homecoming royalty should embody, the winners emphasized leadership, passion and community engagement. “Leadership, ambition, curiosity,” Atalla said, listing the values she aims to bring to her role. Graden echoed similar sentiments, adding that being passionate about the school and representing it well were essential qualities.

The homecoming court members are looking forward to representing the student body with pride and supporting future events. As the event continues to grow, the winners hope to see more student engagement and possibly new traditions, like a parade.

The selection process for homecoming royalty differed from typical voting methods. Rather than having the student body vote, those who wanted to run were asked to gather 20 signatures. Student opinion varied on whether this was a good method.

“I think it shows that you know other students and staff, and that you’re willing to put yourself out there,” student Government Vice President Josephine Tolsma said.

Student Addison Moorehead added, “I feel like the process of getting on homecoming court and voting for it could be a longer process with a bigger panel of people who decide.”

The court was presented on Oct. 19 at the Student Center following the volleyball game against Toccoa Falls College. The event included a cookout with hot dogs, hamburgers, and outdoor games like corn-hole.

Homecoming week featured events across campuses, including Spirit Days with school colors, merchandise tables with giveaways, a bonfire with s’mores at Floyd, a grilled cheese and ice cream truck at Cartersville, and homecoming trivia at Paulding.

“There are a lot of cool things,” student Malcolm Lovett said. “I like a lot of it; I am all in on everything.”

Throughout the week, the homecoming royalty represented GHC at multiple events. “These students have been absolute powerhouses on our campus,” President Mike Hobbs said. “It’s our pleasure to honor them, as they have given so much to the college.”