With State High’s homecoming in the works, State High students are excited for the festivities that come with Homecoming. But why have a Homecoming without the court? Meet this year’s Homecoming court:
Ryan Caldwell and Sanai Abdullah
Caldwell is involved in two activities here at State High. He is involved in cross country and has been on varsity for the past 2 years. He is also involved with track, being on varsity for the past 3 years. Caldwell is also involved in State High’s choir program, being in Master Singers and Chamber Singers. Along with his involvement in the school, Caldwell also loves to write and has written 3 books, hoping to publish them someday.
Abdullah is affiliated with many clubs at State High such as DECA and the Black Affinity Group. Abdullah is also involved in a medical lab outside of school, which has been working to treat ovarian cancer.
“I wanted to run seeing the big sense of community that stemmed from Homecoming,” Abdullah said on running for Homecoming queen. “Also, representing people of color is something that is really important for me.”
Caldwell expressed gratitude for the rest of the Homecoming court. “Whatever happens, whoever wins is fine with me. Everyone on the court are such fantastic people and the experience is what matters for me,” Caldwell said.
Both Caldwell and Abdullah expressed excitement for Homecoming, and the festivities to come.
John Held and Lauren Marshall
Marshall has been the class of 2025 senate president for the past four years. She is also involved with State High’s Mini-Thon, where she is the executive director and has been involved with the club since her freshman year. She has also been involved with FBLA and went to the States last year. Outside of school, she is a competitive dancer.
Held is a member of the State College Area Rowing Team (SCAR) and has participated in various clubs throughout his time at State High.
Both Marshall and Held have been active members of the school community, through showing up to sporting events and participating in school events in the past, such as Homecoming and spirit weeks.
Both expressed their excitement for the festivities following Homecoming week at State High. “I’m really thrilled for the parade, and the football game should be very fun too,” Held said.
“I feel like this year is gonna be a lot different because we’re gonna be a lot more involved. But I’m really looking forward to doing it together,” Marshall said.
Luca Snyder and Genavieve Clayton
Snyder is a member of the high school marching band where he is the head drum major. He is also student government president and is involved in Lion Ambassadors and State High Thespians. He is also involved in choir and Master Singers.
Clayton is involved in choir and Master Singers. She is serving as choir president this school year. She is also in orchestra and Thespians, along with being on the cross-country team.
Snyder and Clayton decided to run for this position mainly due to the lasting tradition of the marching band drum major running for homecoming court and winning. Last year, past head drum major Joshua Carlson ran for homecoming king and won. In 2022, previous head drum major Elijah Snyder and Luca’s older brother won, as well.
“I would say that I never thought of myself on Homecoming court. Going through high school it was never something that was on my bingo card,” Clayton said.
Zach Mazer and Madison Kissinger
Kissinger is a gymnast and runner. Outside of school, Kissigner coaches club gymnastics and does long-distance running.
Mazer has been involved in multiple business clubs such as NTHS. He is also involved in different community service organizations along with being involved with traveling baseball and now coaches younger athletes.
Both Kissinger and Mazer expressed their excitement for the upcoming Homecoming activities, reminiscing on Homecoming in the past years.
“I’m super excited for the parade, to be in it is definitely a different experience than before,” Kissinger said.
“I’m really looking forward to the game, being on the field is going to be a cool experience,” Mazer said.
Thomas Keller and Mckenna Moeller
Moeller is involved in many clubs at State High, such as FBLA, TSA, and Key Club. Keller plays varsity football for State High.
“I have always really enjoyed the Homecoming game, being on the football team and all,” Keller said on past Homecomings.
“I’m super excited for the parade, I’m hoping it will be fun,” Moeller said.
“We did not really plan it,” Moeller said on being nominated for homecoming court. “We just thought it would be a fun thing to do.”
King and Queen Announced
During the halftime of the Homecoming football game on Oct. 18, Snyder and Clayton were announced as this year’s Homecoming royalty.
Correction: The original article published on 10/23 misspelled Snyder’s last name. Correct spelling is updated.
