TOWAMENCIN – Reveling in the exhilarating applause of their peers and the melodies of their favorite songs, the fourteen members of North Penn’s homecoming court paraded down the aisles of the auditorium on Thursday in their first official appearance before their senior classmates. The contestants, dressed to the nines and waving to cheering supporters, were ecstatic to get onstage for some first impressions before Friday’s game and crowning.

“It’s very exciting!” said court member Victoria Christensen. “We get to get all dressed up and it’s really fun. We’ll remember this forever.”

In the midst of a busy week full of rehearsals and preparations, the candidates have been enjoying the process of getting to know each other better.

“We’re all really diverse, and when we come together, everyone’s really nice,” said Noah Mechior. “Everyone loves each other already, even though we didn’t totally know everyone before. We’re all supporting each other.” His fellow court members wholeheartedly agreed that they would be rooting for one another every step of the way.

The members of the senior class got a chance to learn a bit about their court nominees as well at the assembly, at which the court members were introduced along with a rundown of their favorite classes, sports, activities, and achievements.

After seeing his classmates’ animated support at the assembly, John Altmire reflected on the opportunity to represent North Penn on homecoming night.

“To be picked out of one thousand kids in your class who you’ve grown up with, after 12 years of being with these people, and it’s narrowed down to you…it’s just a big honor.” Fellow contestant Ricky Hollenbach added, “It’s a great honor to be nominated, and I was really, really surprised! I’m having a great time with it.”

The nominees have an equally exciting and nerve-wracking day ahead of them as they make their final preparations for homecoming night. Students, faculty, and court alike look forward to an eventful and spirited evening, from the Pregame Party to the ceremony to the football face-off with Pennridge High School.

The court members agreed that they were excited more than anything else for the upcoming events. And what were they most nervous for? “The strutting,” laughed Ricky Hollenbach.

With hundreds of voices cheering them on, the contestants will be strutting onto the even larger stage of Crawford Stadium on Friday. One can expect an edge-of-your-seat game and some passionate North Penn pride, topped off by the long-anticipated crowning ceremony and culminating in what will surely be a night to remember.