It’s the start of a new school year, new people, new Homecoming royalty, and new rules. This year, Homecoming rules are a little different than previous years. Previously, the student body would nominate their class royalty by writing in their names and then, through the democratic process, the nominees would be narrowed down to the top three options. Then, whomever received the most votes would be elected class royalty. However, this gave students the opportunity to produce “bully-nominations.”

Bully nominations can be defined as a group of students who decide, as a critical mass, to elect someone for Homecoming out of a joke.

Ms. Hedwall, and Ms. Rohweller-Kocur, have spent many years orchestrating the Homecoming season, ensuring fun traditions, and really highlighting the school spirit. This means ensuring a safe, and respectful atmosphere which had been violated in years past.

I interviewed the two faculty members on their goals and plans for Homecoming this year, and how it might differ from the past. The two reflected on an incident when they noticed an individual who was nominated every year of his high school career. Every year, this student’s name would be called, and the group of students “tipped over laughing” as Ms. Rohweller-Kocur reflected.

Once a year, at least one student gets through as a bully nominee, usually an underclassmen. Despite administration and faculty efforts to prevent bully nominations, Ms. hedwall reports, “There isn’t a mechanism to catch underclassmen [bully] nominees.” Now, this isn’t to say underclassmen shouldn’t get excited about Homecoming, and having the opportunity to be elected class royalty.

To put your name out in the student mass as a Homecoming nominee, there are a few steps that have to be taken first. This year, instead of just saying “vote for me” on twitter and in your classrooms, you have to explain why.

In front of Ms. Rohweller-Kocur’s room, 3211, there is a “HOMECOMING 2016 ROYALTY NOMINATION FORM.” On the new sheet it explains that you must “[S]elf-nominate to ensure that those nominated want to be a part of the ceremony and that they embody the positive qualities valued by Highland Park Senior High School.” You and one other person, who also wants to run, must write a 150 to 200 word response to the question, “Why do you believe that you are an excellent representative of not only your class, but also of Highland Park Senior High?” The form was due Friday, September 19, 2016 at 2 pm.

The nominated Homecoming royalty will be announced at the Pep Fest on Friday, September 30th.