By Savannah Sicurella

It’s that time of year again—when the thrill of friendly competition festers itself inside of the student body and social politics clash to create a good-old fashioned divide between the Somethings and the Nobodies. Hey, Cady Heron did it (It’s pronounced Katie).

We’ve all fantasized having a prom as eventful as the one from Footloose. Whether you stay hidden inside of the bathroom the entire night reapplying makeup or rounding up a bunch of peers to participate in a dance-off to Timber by Ke$ha (or any other exquisite song choice chosen by the DJ), prom is the final hoorah to a four years well spent.

An intrinsic part of the prom tradition is the crowning of the king and queen, two honorary titles chosen by the student body to represent them (did you know that the titles of Prom King and Queen were promoted during the McCarthy era to encourage strict gender conformity in dress?). As the competition begins to narrow down and heat up in anticipation for America’s favorite formal affair, your ballot for prom royalty gets increasingly more difficult to cast.

Having trouble determining who you’d like to vote for? Here are your seven prom royalty candidates for our Night Under the Sea.

Sam Munsey, 18

In your opinion, how have you earned the title of prom royalty?: I do a lot around school, I’m in a bunch of different clubs, and I’m on a couple of different sports teams. I know a lot of people and I’m friendly with a lot of them.

What activities do you partake in at the school?: I’m in three clubs—National Honor Society, newspaper, and Rho Kappa. I’m in the Finance Academy and I play baseball and golf.

Where do you see yourself in five years?: I’m not sure yet!

What song would you like to play as you accept your title?: Let Me Love You by DJ Snake and Justin Bieber

Who is your celebrity crush?: McKayla Maroney

Julia Jagodzinski, 17

In your opinion, how have you earned the title of prom royalty?: I feel like I have earned this title because I try to represent all that UHS means to me. I display knowledge by striving for A’s and trying to help others understand the material. I display courage when I push myself out of my comfort zone and take on higher responsibilities. I display strength when I persevere through times that are tough. Finally, I show respect to all my classmates, teachers, friends, and family.

What activities do you partake in at the school?: I have participated in several clubs such as: National Honor Society (President), Science Olympiad (Secretary), Creative Writing (Treasurer), Rho Kappa, and National English Honor Society. I have been to homecoming, prom, baseball games, soccer games, and football games.

Where do you see yourself in five years?: In five years, I would like to own a small animal hospital and have research into new improvements in my field.

What song would you like to play as you accept your title?: Let Me Love You by DJ Snake and Justin Bieber. I chose this song because it’s the song that I always listen to with Sam because we both love EDM. Plus, we can both dance terribly to it without any judgement.

Who is your celebrity crush?: Josh Peck

Jamie Venezia, 18

In your opinion, how have you earned the title of prom royalty?: I think because I think of myself as a large part of the school’s community. I am always attending school events and I’m familiar with the student body and faculty.

What activities do you partake in at the school?: I’m always attending the games and other events.

Where do you see yourself in five years?: Working for my family’s company.

What song would you like to play as you accept your title?: I don’t know.

Who is your celebrity crush?: Zac Efron

Antonio Peloso

Well, I sent him the questions, but he left me on read.

Jamey Bass, 18

In your opinion, how have you earned the title of prom royalty?: I am always treating others with respect.

What activities do you partake in at the school?: I was a photography editor and I am in Debate Club and NOW Club.

Where do you see yourself in five years?: Traveling the world.

What song would you like to play as you accept your title?: All I Do Is Win by DJ Khaled.

Who is your celebrity crush?: Michael B. Jordan

Tino Mganga

 In your opinion, how have you earned the title of prom royalty?: I’ve posted posters, given candy—you know, the basic stuff. I just did it with a special flare.

What activities do you partake in at the school?: The activities I partake in are mostly sports. This year I was on the bowling team, the basketball team manager, and participated in weightlifting and track and field. For clubs, I’m in FCA and Graphic Novel Club.

Where do you see yourself in five years?: Finishing up college and going on to get a Master’s Degree.

What song would you like to play as you accept your title?: Reminder by The Weeknd.

Who is your celebrity crush?: Meagan Good

Christina Jaranilla, 18

In your opinion, how have you earned the title of prom royalty?: I feel as if I have earned the title of prom royalty because I’ve been out talking and campaigning to a variety of seniors this week. It is important to not keep your votes limited, but to broaden yourself with many of your other fellow seniors. You can’t win a war without an army.

What activities do you partake in at the school?: I played soccer, participated in weightlighting, Rho Kappa, NHS, as well as being a part of STEM [Academy].

Where do you see yourself in five years?: Finishing my last year in UF’s Pharmacy program.

What song would you like to play as you accept your title?: Wavy by Ty Dolla $ign

Who is your celebrity crush?: Wentworth Miller

Caleb Lodge, 18
In your opinion, how have you earned the title of prom royalty?: Honestly, I think all the candidates deserve the votes and title; everyone is genuine and amiable. I thought that I would be a fun experience to run and it really was.
What activities do you partake in at the school?: I competed in varsity soccer, weightlifting, track, and cross country. I’m a member of Rho Kappa and Earth & Surf Club.
Where do you see yourself in five years?: Getting a Master’s Degree or traveling (or both).\
What song would you like to play as you accept your title?: DNA by Kendrick Lamar.
Who is your celebrity crush?: Alex Morgan

Crown image courtesy of <a href=”http://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/gold”>Gold vector created by Vectortwins – Freepik.com</a>