10 students competing for Homecoming royalty; voting through Oct. 16

The Homecoming Committee has announced royalty candidates for the University’s 2024 Homecoming celebration.

Undergraduate students may vote for candidates, beginning at midnight Monday, Oct. 7, and voting ends at midnight Wednesday, Oct. 16; undergraduate students received instructions to participate in voting via email. 

The king and queen will be announced Thursday, Oct. 17, at the conclusion of the Homecoming Variety Show, which begins at 7 p.m. at the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts. Variety Show tickets are $5.

Northwest’s annual Homecoming week is Oct. 13-19 and will celebrate “A Century of Homecomings” to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the University's first Homecoming in 1924 and its Homecoming traditions since. For a complete schedule of activities and ticket information, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/getinvolved/homecoming/.

The candidates for 2024 Homecoming royalty at Northwest appear below.

King candidates

	Ben Bueneman Year: Senior Major: Geography: Geographic Information Systems Hometown: Wentzville, Missouri. Campus involvement: Grappling Club, Order of Omega, Interfraternity Council, Gamma Theta Upsilon, Alpha Kappa Lambda, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. What does being a Bearcat mean to you? “Being a Bearcat means making my mom proud who worked so hard to put me through college. Being a Bearcat also means being involved in as much as possible and working hard on my academics so that all the work she did was not wasted and living what she had dreamed of me now that she is gone.”
	Connor Gorman Year: Senior Major: Finance: Corporate Finance Hometown: Fort Scott, Kansas Campus involvement: FBLA-NW president, Phi Sigma Kappa, and Newman Catholic Center. What does being a Bearcat mean to you? “Being a Bearcat has immersed me in a dynamic community that fosters both personal and professional growth. This environment has inspired me to actively engage in various activities and new opportunities. Through these experiences, I have not only broadened my knowledge base and diversified my skill set, but I have also engaged in meaningful connections in the Bearcat community.”
	Parker Ticknor Year: Senior Major: Mass Media: Broadcast Production Hometown: Monett, Missouri Campus involvement: Phi Sigma Kappa, St. Jude Bearcats, CatVision and KNWT. What does being a Bearcat mean to you? “Being a Bearcat has profoundly shaped my life, keeping me actively involved through diverse campus opportunities and leadership roles. I’ve built strong connections with peers and professionals, enriching my personal and career life. The hands-on experiences I have gained through classes have prepared me for life after college.”
	Sal Bonadonna Year: Senior Major: Cybersecurity Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri Campus involvement: Tau Kappa Epsilon, Interfraternity Council, Student Senate, Order of Omega and Student Ambassadors.  What does being a Bearcat mean to you? “Being a Bearcat means I have a whole pack of Bearcats that I can call family and always come home to.”
	Spencer Cupp Year: Senior Major: Applied Health Science: Sports Medicine Hometown: Platte City, Missouri Campus involvement: Sigma Tau Gamma, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Order of Omega, Honors Program and Department of Natural Sciences tutor. What does being a Bearcat mean to you? “Being a Bearcat to me is about being a part of a community dedicated to unity. It is like joining one big family that truly cares for one another and strives to see everybody succeed.”

Queen candidates

	Abigail Dewert Year: Senior Major: Agricultural Education Hometown: Union, Missouri Campus involvement: Student Activities Council vice president of retention and recruitment, Collegiate FFA president and Delta Tau Alpha vice president. What does being a Bearcat mean to you? “Being a Bearcat means finding a community that is there to support you. No matter where you go in your journey, there is always a Bearcat that is willing to help lead you into the next step.”
	Callie Spunaugle Year: Senior Major: Agricultural Business Hometown: Lincoln, Missouri Campus involvement: Gamma Sigma Epsilon, St. Jude Bearcats, Student Senate, Student Success Center and Collegiate Farm Bureau. What does being a Bearcat mean to you?  “Being a Bearcat is a legacy of tradition, pride and excellence that unites us across generations. Ever since I was a child, I wanted to be a part of the Bearcat legacy. As Bearcats, we belong to a family that commits to growth, integrity and support. We push ourselves to excel. We uplift one another. We create an environment where success is meant to thrive. To be a Bearcat means embracing our journey with purpose through the acceptance we are part of something greater. Bearcats leave a lasting impact on each other and our university.”
	Chloe DeVries Year: Senior Major: Chemistry: Biochemistry Hometown: Red Oak, Iowa Campus involvement: Student Senate, Phi Mu, Gamma Sigma Epsilon and Student Ambassadors. What does being a Bearcat mean to you? “Being a Bearcat to me means having a community that cares about you, supports you and helps you become the best version of yourself. Bearcats go the extra mile for one another and give you a place to always call home.”
	Erin Frink Year: Senior Major: Speech and Theater Education Hometown: York, Nebraska Campus involvement: Bearcats Going Green and Theatre Northwest. What does being a Bearcat mean to you? “Being a Bearcat means that you will always feel a sense of belonging and will always be a part of a very large and supportive community. It has been very empowering to be surrounded by people who allow me to be my best and true self.”
	McKenna Grimmer Year: Senior Major: Elementary Education Hometown: Hannibal, Missouri Campus involvement: Alpha Sigma Alpha, Student Senate, and Student Ambassadors. What does being a Bearcat mean to you? “Being a Bearcat to me means not being afraid to take every opportunity that comes your way, because you know you are surrounded by the most amazing people and support system you could ask for.”