The countdown to Homecoming is a thrill for the Fountain Valley High School Barons. For the entire student body, it’s the highlight of the fall semester. But for a handful of seniors, it means something even more — a chance to be crowned as Homecoming royalty.
Through two rounds of online voting, the student body narrowed down their top five picks for each category of Kings and Queens. The King finalists include Adam Nguyen, Benjamin Braithwaite, Benjamin Buckhurst, Ethan Kwong and Fariz Abid, while the Queen nominees include An Dang, Katelynn Luu, Kelly Zebarth, Pearline Truong and Tessa Nacke.
Being on the Homecoming Court is more than just a fun night for these seniors — it’s a chance to stand as representatives of their school’s diversity and spirit. Official voting for the Kings and Queens will end on Friday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. — with that being said, here’s what this year’s Homecoming Kings and Queens had to say about the exciting journey they’ve been on.
Photos by Minh Ngoc Le.
“I feel really excited about being on hoco court, but also a bit nervous. I think it’s really cool that I made it on court, especially because I wasn’t going for homecoming queen. When I found out I had made the top ten I was surprised and confused about the selection because I didn’t even vote for the first round. It’s really neat to know that enough people enjoy being around me to get me this far in the rounds for hoco queen. Unfortunately, I am also feeling stressed about being on court because there is so much to do and learn with such little time. I’m going to take this week day by day and focus on having fun with a really great group of people on court. I have lots and interests and hobbies outside of school, but some of my favorites are photography, going on runs in the park, volleyball, hanging out with friends, going to the beach and getting coffee with my sister. I’m more of an outside person than a stay- in kind of gal so anything to get me out of the house makes me happy,” senior Kelly Zebarth said. “I am still in shock about being on court because I never thought that I would make it through to the top 10. But I am both excited and nervous about the activities that go along with it! Outside of school, I absolutely love to draw. It’s something I’ve been very passionate about ever since I first learned how to draw. Lately, I’ve been too busy to set aside time to just draw my heart out but I still find myself doodling whenever I get the chance,” senior Pearline Truong said. “I feel pretty good being on HOCO court, it is exciting and fun. Outside of school, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, shopping and going to the beach,” senior An Dang said.“Being on Court has always been a dream of mine and it’s so cool to be a part of. I am so grateful and excited to be on court! Outside of school, I love dancing, surfing, reading and hanging out with my friends,” senior Tessa Nacke said. “I’m really excited to be honest, like, I’m just here like for the giggles and to do the fun dance at the assembly. Outside of school, I’m actually training for my first ever triathlon right now. I also love to sew. I’m sewing my own HOCO dress and I’m very excited about that. I’m super involved at Holy Spirit Catholic Church as well,” senior Katelynn Luu said.“To be honest, I feel really embarrassed that I am up there. My friends advocated really well for my name. I cannot believe I made it to the top 5.
Outside of school, I enjoy playing sports with my friends and family. I love spending time with nature (either hiking, cleaning up the beach, or gardening) and spending time with my friends eating and watching movies together,” senior Ethan Kwong said. “It’s nerve wracking, but I’m forever grateful for even being considered to be homecoming king! It feels surreal but I’m just so appreciative that I’ve been given this opportunity. Thank you to my friends for always encouraging & supporting me as well as all of the people who voted for me; it means more to me than they could ever know! Some things that I love doing outside of school consist of going on long pch drives and getting gelato with my friends or going to my best friend, Kayla’s house. I also enjoy blasting SZA no matter where I go and really resonate with her song “Supermodel,” hence my painted parking spot being the album cover of CTRL. Overall, I enjoy simply being surrounded by those I love seeing as they are the reason I am where I am today,” senior Fariz Abid said. “I’m a decent bit surprised and a little nervous. It was a complete surprise for me making top ten and honestly I felt that it would stop at that point. However, making top five was a real surprise to me. I didn’t really think that I could make it this far and really did make me a little nervous to be a part of the related activities, especially as I wouldn’t say I’m good with crowds. For things I enjoy doing outside of school, I do spend a decent bit of time reading, plus a decent bit of writing on the sidelines too. I also partake in karate classes and part of leadership for my Boy Scout troop,” senior Benjamin Buckhurst said. “I feel happy. I enjoy eating and playing Brawl Stars,” senior Adam Nguyen said.“I really enjoy being on HOCO court, it’s a super fun experience and I love sharing it with a couple of friends and I’m excited to run for king and be out there on game day. I love to play volleyball and surf with friends/teams outside of school. I also love quality time with family and friends in any kind of setting,” senior Benjamin Braithwaite said.
