The Reigning Royals of Jenks High School
By Isabella Quintero
On October 13th, Jenks students watched in anticipation to see who would be bestowed the honor of becoming Homecoming’s new reigning royals. Seniors Eduardo Pereyra and Magnolia Crissup share their experience on winning the homecoming crowns for the 2023-2024 school year. The title of homecoming king and queen is thought to be an honor at Jenks High School, and these two spectacular seniors took the honor with enthusiasm, joy, and humility.
Magnolia Crissup walking to the center of the court after being crowned homecoming queen.
Photo credits: Megan Viso
Magnolia Crissup, a proud member of the Jenks varsity volleyball and track team, as well as senior class secretary, expressed her shock and excitement when she won homecoming queen this year. Her peers chose to vote for her out of everyone else, knowing that her kindness and ability to put a smile on others faces makes her the perfect homecoming queen.
“I didn’t think I was going to win,” said Crissup. “I was surrounded by so many amazing people on court this year, so I would’ve been excited for anyone to win!”
Eduardo Pereyra waving to the crowd after being crowned homecoming king.
Photo credits: Megan Viso
Eduardo Pereyra, a proud member of the Jenks cross country and track teams, math club president, and JHS stucco vice president, also expressed his similar feelings.
“I am so overjoyed that I got homecoming king,” said Pereyra. “I'm sure every single person has at some point thought of how cool it would be to get such an honor, and it is just that awesome. It felt so ethereal when they called my name out.”
Pereyra was so convinced he wasn’t going to win, he decided to let his parents know to stay home for the coronation of king and queen. Thankfully they decided to follow their gut and show up for their son anyways.
“I was actually not expecting to win at all,” said Pereyra. “I had even told my parents they didn't need to go to the pep assembly, but my mom still insisted, which I'm glad she did now.”
Getting the opportunity to be on homecoming court is like being royalty for the school. Homecoming court is made up of the homecoming king and queen that are picked from the 10 senior nominees, as well as the 8 senior nominees that were left, 8 juniors, and 8 sophomores. They are all paraded around in convertibles in the annual homecoming parade, getting the chance to be recognized by fellow classmates, teachers, parents, and even excited little kids.
“It was a blast, especially since I had some of my bestfriends on it with me this year,” said Crissup, “That made it even more special and fun.”
Crissup and Pereyra both experienced the float as such an extraordinary, joyous, experience, only having good things to say about the entire day.
“Being on court is such a fun experience,” said Pereyra. “Knowing that people look up to you enough to want to do the favor of voting you into court is really heartwarming.”
Homecoming is an event that requires preparation from everyone involved: from the school, to the planners, homecoming court, and regular attendees. The girls typically shop for their perfect dress, get their hair, makeup, and nails done, while the boys find a suit and a tie to match their date's dress.
“Finding a dress was the biggest part of preparation, since you essentially only get a week,” said Crissup. “Once you have that figured out, it’s just fun and a super memorable day!”
As much as the homecoming king and queen’s feelings and experiences during the week of homecoming were alike, their preparation differed quite a bit.
“The most I did in terms of preparation was scrambling across Tulsa to find a tie that matched Maggie's green dress since I was escorting her at the pep rally,” said Pereyra, his answer differing from Crissup’s.
Pereyra went on to express how lucky he was to be in this position, and with someone like Crissup to share this wonderful experience with.
“It was such a coincidence that it ended up being her and I and Queen and King, but I'm so glad it ended up that way because she's such an incredible person,” said Pereyra.
Homecoming court and the dance itself are quite different events. Being on homecoming court is once again, like being a part of royalty, sitting tall on the back of someone's convertible in your best attire, waving at the people you pass like a literal king and queen.
“Homecoming was super fun,” said Crissup, speaking about the dance. “It was definitely less intense as compared to my day on court, so I took it as an opportunity to have an amazing time with my friends.”
The homecoming dance the next night is where you’re allowed to let loose and be completely yourself. Dancing to your favorite songs, alongside your best friends, not worried about what anyone around you is thinking.
“This year at the dance, Eduardo Pereyra and I were given the opportunity to go on the stage and shoot a CO2 cannon as a fun thing for the King and Queen,” said Crissup. “That was definitely a different thing than the years before, but also just soaking up the moments from my last homecoming knowing it would be my last.”
Pereyra had similar thoughts, as they both enjoyed their last homecoming dance together and really lived it to the fullest.
“Homecoming was so incredibly fun, " said Pereyra. “Seeing everyone having a blast and connecting over music is just awesome. The highlight of my night was shooting the CO2 cannon with Maggie. That was so awesome sauce.”
