Sophia Noya | Staff Writer
All eyes were on the Homecoming court at the annual Crown event as they answered trivia, strutted runways, and flaunted their Panther pride.
Hosted by 2023 Homecoming King and Queen Santana Way and Alexis Murray, the event was held on Sept. 16 in the Graham Center ballrooms. The theme this year was Miami Vice, honoring the show’s 40th anniversary.
“My experience being queen was truly amazing,” Murray said, “and I’m excited to see what the contestants will bring to the stage tonight.”
It was up to the Homecoming court to wow the three judges and prove they were worthy of homecoming royalty.
The judges for the event were Student Experiences Office Specialist Camilo Balzan, Director of Student Services for the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing Dr. Amanda Emery, and Associate Director of the Fraternity and Sorority Enrichment Team, Ernest Daily.
The contestants were each given a chance to introduce themselves to the judges and the audience. These are the candidates for 2024 Homecoming court:
Caniya Brown, Homecoming duchess contestant | Sophia Noya, PantherNow
Running for Duchess:
- Khloe Johnson, biology major
- Caniya Brown, elementary education major
- Joycee Vizcaino, theater major
Running for Duke:
- Jesus Antonio Aracena, art major
- Marco Elizondo Yoma, pre-nursing major
Running for Princess:
- Aleeah Aristizabal, biology major
- Massiel Gonzalez, political science major
- Jernái Bennett, computer science major
- Meleeza Delgado, criminal justice major
Running for Prince:
- Kevin Munoz, who could not attend
Running for Queen:
- Tashera Harell, natural applied science major
- Valerie Castaneda, psychology major
Running for King:
- Shreemuth Pericherla, history major
- Gabriel Aragon Espino, fine arts major
- Elias Arianas, sports recreational management major
After introductions was the trivia round, where each contestant put their knowledge about FIU to the test.
Questions included “What is FIU’s sports division?” and “In which year did FIU officially open its doors to students?”
Contestants for Duke and King prepare to answer trivia questions | Sophia Noya, PantherNow
This was followed by a 15 minute intermission, where guests were invited to eat, use a photobooth with friends, and take free favors like T-shirts and disposable cameras.
Then came the best dressed round, where contestants donned their most fashionable outfits, keeping in theme with Miami Vice.
Tashera Harell, Homecoming Queen contestant | Sophia Noya, PantherNow
For the final round, contestants were all asked the same question: why should you win?
“I’m an international student,” Homecoming Princess contestant Jernái Bennett said, “When I first came to FIU, I was so shy, so introverted.”
“But FIU has become so a part of my identity,” she continued. “I want to be involved. Homecoming is a way for me to show support for my school. If I am crowned princess, I would ensure diverse voices are heard.”
Homecoming King contestant Gabriel Aragon Espino explained his love for FIU.
“I believe in the Panther spirit, in Panther pride,” He said. “I represent everything that FIU brings, and I want to share that with all of you.”
The event brought a big turn out, with family and friends coming out in support of their loved ones running for Homecoming court.
Meili Ruiz, who came in support of her fiancé, Homecoming King contestant Elias Arianas, said: “I think it’s really cute that he’s running, because it’s his second to last semester before he graduates.”
“I hope he wins!” she gushed. “He’s cute enough.”
The Duke, Duchess, Prince and Princess will be crowned at the Uncaging on Sept. 19, while the King and Queen will be crowned at halftime during the Homecoming football game on Sept. 21.
Wow!!! What a stunning event!!
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