The fresh cut grass, the anticipation, the newly purchased gowns and suits, and the overwhelming sound of fans cheering as you take each step down the 50 yard line. Homecoming season is just around the corner and the Raider royalty selections are underway.

“Homecoming means a lot of things to me. It’s a time to dress up during the spirit weeks, have an amazing mum, attend the football game, and dress up for the dance,” junior Kenzie Geisert said.

With homecoming, comes the annual homecoming nominations that stir up competition within each grade.

“I think voters should look for someone who is well-known, involved in school activities and someone who is positive and lifts others up when voting for homecoming king and queen,” senior Lizzie Hardgage said.

Controversy has arisen over homecoming being a popularity contest; campaigning via Twitter and Facebook and telling friends to vote for them has become the new norm.

“Campaigning is a very popular thing at Wylie East. I will tell my close friends and people I sometimes associate with to make sure they vote for me,” Geisert said.

Homecoming is a magical time in high school, but 30 years from now, all those magical feelings that emerged during homecoming season might disappear.

“I don’t think I would be super proud of the title, but it would be something cool to tell my kids,” Hardgage said.

A select few of the Raider Nation family will experience the anticipation and excitement during homecoming crowning taking place Oct. 11 during halftime at the football game against Sherman. Two students from the freshman, sophomore and junior class will receive the prince/princess title. While two students from the senior class will receive the king/queen title.

“I can’t wait for homecoming, Raider pride seems to fill the community. It’s the best,” Geisert said.