By Ronnie Amey, Arts & Entertainment Editor & Brooke Joly, MCHS News & Life Editor
Photo courtesy of 4K Photos.
Many popular movies set in high school emphasize the importance of winning the crown of Homecoming King and Queen. At Moreau Catholic, being part of the Homecoming Court is one of the highest recognitions a student can receive. Each year, ten students, four juniors and six seniors, are honored during the school’s opening Spirit Week rally, the Homecoming football game at halftime, and the Homecoming Dance.
This year, Kaitlynchi Vo, Jasper Durie, Joshua Carle, and Maya McComb represented the Junior Court. Valeria Peraza, Donovan Edwards, Braden Dougherty, and Caleb Calica made up the Senior Court, while seniors Ava Go and Brooke Joly were crowned as this year’s Homecoming Royalty.
We caught up with a few members of the court to reflect on their experience; what it meant, how it felt, and the memories they’ll carry long after the crowns are gone.
Q: Many popular movies make homecoming royalty seem like a dream come true. Would you say being part of HOCO Court lived up to that childhood dream?
Kaitlynchi Vo: “Yes, ever since I was little, I always thought it would be such a dream. Being on HOCO Court feels magical and almost unreal. I never thought it would actually happen.”
Caleb Calica: “Honestly, it wasn’t something I ever imagined as a kid. I didn’t think I’d be in the spotlight like that, so to actually experience it now feels really special.”
Valeria Peraza: “It definitely is a childhood dream come true. I’ve always wanted to stand out and be recognized for my achievements.”
Brooke Joly: “Yes, I’ve always wanted to be a queen or a princess—and now I am, in high school!”
Q: When you heard your name announced during the opening rally, what was going through your head?
Ava Go: “I was shocked and excited! I didn’t expect to get on court, let alone win royalty. It was even better because I won with Brooke, someone I think very highly of.”
Caleb Calica: “My first thought was, ‘I beat my dad in our bet!’ Then I ran to Braden to do our victory celebration dance. It was unreal.”
Braden Dougherty: “I was super surprised and excited. It didn’t really hit me until my friend Caleb got called, too—we had planned a little celebration, so that moment was really fun.”
Brooke Joly: “I just felt so happy. I got this instant excitement and started running. Ava and I started jumping around in a circle, hugging each other. It was just this moment of pure joy.”
Donovan Edwards: “I was kind of in shock. My first thought was, ‘Oh, I made it—did my girlfriend make it too?’”
Maya McComb: “My first thought was pure shock and excitement because I was the first one called out! I was also so happy my fellow ASB members made it too; it was really special cheering them on.”
Q: Are there any clubs, sports, or activities that helped you connect with your classmates and gain support for your nomination?
Kaitlynchi Vo: “Definitely cheer, student government, and Interact Club. Being involved and meeting so many people really helped me connect with everyone.”
Maya McComb: “Sports and Student Government, especially ASB, gave me so many chances to connect with people. I think those relationships definitely helped with my nomination and win.”
Ava Go: “Being captain of the volleyball team helped a lot because I had my teammates’ support. I’m also part of PSA core, Poly Club, Social Justice Leadership, and co-founder of Flag Football Club, which helped me meet people across different groups.”
Jasper Durie: “Student government gave me a big platform to connect with people, and football and theater helped me build personal relationships with so many classmates.”
Braden Dougherty: “I think Interact Club, Social Justice Leadership, badminton, and Mock Trial helped me develop confidence and an identity that people recognized.”
Brooke Joly: “Rally Squad definitely helped. There are so many new freshmen this year, and I’ve built strong relationships with them. CMT also helped because people see me during Mass and know me from different spaces.”
Q: How does it feel to not only be part of the court but to be crowned royalty?
Ava Go: “I feel really special and grateful. I didn’t even think I’d make the court, so being crowned royalty means so much to me.”
Brooke Joly: “Like a dream come true. I feel like I’m living the typical High School movie life, as a cheerleader crowned queen.”
This year’s Homecoming Court embodied what it means to be a true Mariner. With strong leadership, school spirit, and community. Whether a candidate felt joy or disbelief, every member shared one thing in common: gratitude for being recognized by their peers and pride in representing Moreau Catholic. We are a strong family, Mariners!
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