By Karen Phan & Isabella Purdy, Staff Writers
Photos by Yasir Khaleq.
Homecoming Court is a Fountain Valley High School (FVHS) tradition that goes way back. It recognizes five male and five female students who have racked up the most votes from the study body through an online voting process. This year’s Homecoming Court consists of a variety of students who all deserve the recognition they got. We asked the Homecoming Court themselves about their personal thoughts about being nominated.
Yasir Khaleq
“I was really happy when I got it, but at the same time I feel like its really really superficial, I like wake up every morning and think, I’m like wow, I’m ‘popular.’ But overall I like it, I think high school is about being tacky and having fun, and that’s exactly what court is. We’re learning our dance right now which is really funny doing the dance because I’m not really a good dancer but it’s really fun to try really hard doing the dance because it’s a ton of fun to be an idiot sometimes. I’m also look to walking out at the football game. I believe I was chosen because I am the producer of BBN, and you see me a lot at school every two weeks, even someone who doesn’t know me would know me through BBN so they were probably like ‘Oh, I guess I’ll vote for him.’ Actually I’m not going to the dance my parents won’t let me. Yeah, it’s pretty embarrassing, but I will be part of the court at the assembly and that should be pretty fun. On the actual day of the dance I’ll be doing photoshoots for other people, but I do get money for it.”
Sabella Tran
“There were so many girls that all deserved the position on court so I was completely shocked to find out that I made it! The coolest thing about being on court are the amazing opportunities that comes with it, like participating in the assembly and half-time show! I never campaigned or anything to be nominated onto Homecoming Court. That’s probably what surprised me the most, but I am extremely grateful and excited to be given this opportunity! I think that this year’s homecoming is completely different from previous years because of the location and the boat tour of the harbor. I’m mostly excited for those things because of the amazing view we’ll get from the venue as well! I know that our dance commissioners have exciting things planned so I am looking forward to see them put their vision into reality.”
Oscar Benitez
“So far [Homecoming Court] is very time consuming! It really clashes with my busy schedule but it’s very fun. When I first got in I was surprised with the outcome of who made it on court. It really shocked me. I think I made court because I’m a very friendly person and I get along with almost everyone. Also I’m sure being on both football and ASB helped out a lot. I look forward to having a great night with my girlfriend and friends. I hope everyone has a great time at the dance. I know our dance commissioners put in a lot of hours to make this happen.”
Chloe Dinh
“I’ve honestly been amazed by each court every year but never really thought I would be on it until this year. I’m a really outgoing person and I love to meet new people! I try to be kind to everyone and just the simplest things like saying “hi” or complementing them will make their day and I find enjoyment in that. Also, I’m a BBN producer and very driven in business such as being director of marketing for Virtual Enterprise, vice president of Future Business Leaders of America, and the co-owner of my own clothing brand, so I have different circles of people. I just thought about where I am now and then my freshman self, I never thought I would make it this far and be recognized. I’ve bonded with the other people on court and they’re honestly so amazing and all carry unique traits and are very involved in school in their own way. Learning the assembly dance is a bit complicated and it’s definitely something new for me. I love the venue! I can’t wait to dance the night away and go crazy with my best friends and view the sea with them.”
Marc Tadros
”I was pretty excited about it and surprised, too. Well in court we got to do our individual photos and I made some new friends from the experience. During lunch we practice our dance for the assembly and it’s just practice practice every lunch for us to get it right. My favorite thing about is the people in general and when I finally get a part of my dance right I get pretty upbeat about that, but it really all comes down to getting to be on court with the people around me. I think I was nominated because I’m very outgoing sociable and all in all a guy that likes to stay positive and I have a lot of friends not just one group of people I hangout with. I look forward to the experience just everything about it and I’m excited to go and experience it all with my girlfriend since it’s going to be our first time to go to homecoming.”
Yenni Giang
“I felt a mix of emotions when I got my call slip card for court! I was super excited since I wasn’t expecting it all. I knew I was getting votes from a few of my friends but definitely was not expecting to make it onto court. Everyone on court has been super kind to me and we have fun practicing the assembly dance! ASB is teaching us a really cool dance so shoutout to them! I think I was nominated at first cause my friends were joking around and it turned out to be something bigger. I’m not super involved in school but i definitely carry a few extracurriculars! I’m a member of Key Club and an assistant coach at Bi Tri Dung Lion Dance. I’m so looking forward to dancing with my friends, seeing the beautiful view on the boat tour, and definitely the memories that will be created that night. I’m really thankful for all my friends that voted for me and got me through the past 4 years.”
Ian Mckeever
“Well, I was nominated most likely because I told everyone to vote for me, so that’s how that happened. I’m very excited for some of the LTA’s (lunch time activities) we’re going to be doing this week and I’m extremely excited to be dancing during the assembly but I know most of all that the assembly is one of the main reasons why people want to be on court because of the dance routine you get to learn, which is what I’m looking forward to the most along with the boat ride and being driven to the game in pedicabs by my teachers,” said senior Ian McKeever
Allison Bebout
“My brother was on court and he had an awesome experience so I was very excited when I got the paper saying I made court! It’s been very fun hanging out with the other members on court, although learning the assembly dance has been a little crazy. I think one reason I might have been chosen for court is because I am very involved at FVHS, including soccer, clubs, and ASB. I am very excited to go on the boat tour and also have a good time with my friends at my last homecoming ever! I’m glad I have the opportunity to be on court and I can’t wait for the halftime show.”
Jun Ahn
“I honestly didn’t think that I would make Homecoming Court because I’m not that relevant in the school. I was pretty happy when I got in because I get to dance at the assembly. I’ve been practicing [dancing] every lunch in the ASB room for the dance. It’s pretty fun because I like dancing and this week I have a lot of activities to participate in for court so that will be fun. I think I got nominated because I know various people from different grade levels from my clubs and extracurriculars. This year I’m excited for the boat because it hasn’t been in precious homecomings so that will be a good experience with friends.”
Ithar Abdalla
“I was really happy when I got chosen, I felt honored that I was voted in by people I think that it’s really fun because we get to to do the activities during the week and get to be a part of the assembly. I think that the pairs that got chosen are really hardworking, they’ve put in a lot of time and effort to make it the best experience possible. My favorite part would be learning and rehearsing the dance that we’re going to perform during the assembly. I honestly don’t know [why I was chosen]. I thought it was a joke at first but as I got in the top five I thought hey, this is pretty cool. During my high school career I’ve tried to become friends with everyone, with different kinds of groups and I guess people thought I was funny, cool enough to be on the court. homecoming is going to be my very first school dance ever, so I’m really excited for that especially since the dance is formal-ish. So I want to make it the first and the best one.”
