Homecoming King and Queen Contest Doubles In Votes, Raises Almost $5,000 for Charities

Frostburg State University’s Homecoming King and Queen were announced at the annual pep rally on Thursday, Oct. 20 in Cordts P.E. Center. Richard Ukonu, representative candidate from Relationship Goals, and Brandy Barnes, representative candidate from SACS, were crowned as winners.

SGA, the sponsor of the annnual Homecoming King and Queen contest, holds requirements for prospective candidates. Candidates had to enter the election by Sept. 19 and be sponsored by a University recognized organization. All candidates were required to raise at least $50 for a charity of their choice between that date and Oct. 14. Candidates also had to submit a short essay, which was featured on the ballot, and be present for the pep rally and Homecoming game.

The King and Queen are chosen by votes from the student body on Bobcat Connect each year. In the days prior to voting, candidates promote their campaign at tables in Lane University Center, through social media, and across campus. Many candidates provide candy and snacks while advocating. Others like April Kinyua, queen candidate from SGA, take an alternative route, as she hosted dogs from her charity from the Allegany County Animal Shelter for students to visit at the clock tower. Voting took place on Oct. 17 and 18 and ended with a grand total of 1,387 votes compared to last year’s 789 votes.

This election, seven females ran for queen: Nicole Amos, Jennifer Schofield, Menu’Ette Silver, Kennedy Logsdon, Brandy Barnes, April Kinyua, and Kailey Howard. The eight candidates for king were Malik Harris, Justin Smith, Jaron Winters, Amare Langford-Armstrong, Brian Day, Sam Lohff, Richard Ukonu, and Taqi Robinson.

Fundraising and awareness efforts helped the March of Dimes, Special Olympics, Allegany County Animal Shelter, Muscular Dystrophy Association, NEDA, Holding Hands for Haley, Autism Speaks, Frostburg Fire Department, Frostburg Food Pantry, American Cancer Society, Cumberland YMCA, Alzheimer’s Association, American Red Cross, The Training Source, and Union Rescue Mission.

Nicole Amos of Alpha Sigma raised the most money, hers benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association, adding up to $1,117.67. Queen Brandy Barnes followed closely while raising $1,080 for the Holding Hands for Haley foundation. In total, the 2016 Homecoming candidates raised nearly $5,000 for charities.

Barnes and Ukonu were recognized at halftime of the football game on Saturday, Oct. 22.