The University of Arizona announced the 2018 Homecoming court last week. The nominees for Queen are Ella Guajardo, Paige Helfinstine, Jalon Jackson, Madison Savlov and Lauren Tolin. For King, the nominees are: Ahmed F Al-Shamari, Benjamen Michael Meyer, Jack Niles, Luis Rosano and Stuart Smeck. The Daily Wildcat got to talk with some of the princes and princesses.
Meyer is from Peoria, Ariz., and is majoring in neuroscience with a neurobiology emphasis.
He was nominated by Alpha Epsilon Delta, a professional health honor society on campus. Ben describes himself as inquisitive, passionate and spunky.
When Meyer is not representing the UA as one of the Homecoming princes, you can find him being a Supplemental Instruction leader for MCB181R, a preceptor for organic chemistry and an introductory neuroscience course, a Research Assistant, co-founder and treasurer of Fight the Stigma and a member of the Alpha Epsilon Delta fraternity and Nu Rho Psi chapter.
“I want to represent not only the club who nominated me but the entire UA student body. I want to continue to show students that Tucson’s ‘Be Kind’ motto will allow you to live a happier and more fulfilling life,” Meyer said.
Meyer was instantly immersed in the Arizona Homecoming traditions and remembers the spirit and pride the UA had that day.
“Throughout the semester it is easy to lose track of what it means to be a Wildcat, but Homecoming is a time in which we unite as Wildcats and put our competitive nature towards defeating the other team instead of each other,” Meyer said. “Being a Wildcat means two things: being kind to others and never settling.”
Lauren Tolin is a management information systems major from Redondo Beach, Calif. She was nominated by the Eller College of Management to be one of the Homecoming princesses. Lauren can be found working at Eller as a special events manager, being a part of the Eller Leadership Board as vice president of finance and being an active member of Alpha Kappa Psi, a professional business fraternity.
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Tolin reflected on why she wanted to be on Homecoming court.
“[To]represent this wonderful university in one of the most memorable weeks of the school year,” Tolin said. “Homecoming gives a significant sense of pride for everyone affiliated with the University of Arizona and solidifies the university’s spirit and culture.”
Tolin’s favorite Homecoming memory was participating in the Alpha Kappa Psi parade float.
“It was in the moment of driving through the parade that I felt an incredible sense of community and UA spirit,” Tolin said.
Paige Helfinstine is from Prescott, Ariz., and is majoring in journalism to become a broadcast journalist. She was nominated by Alpha Phi to represent in the homecoming court.
Paige is a member of the Eller Social Media club, a social media marketing intern at the Tucson American Heart Association, and a member, philanthropy assistant and vice president of marketing in Alpha Phi. She describes herself as bubbly and looking forward to graduation.
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Helfinstine spoke on why she enjoys representing the UA and supporting her sorority sisters.
“Homecoming is a real time of togetherness, and every year going to the bonfire with my sorority sisters we are reminded how much we love going to this school,” Helfinstine said.
Students can vote Wednesday and Thursday on the Arizona Alumni website for their favorite Homecoming princess and prince nominee.
The winners will be announced at the Homecoming bonfire on Friday at 7:30 p.m. on the west side of Old Main.
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