The decrees: Homecoming King and Queen speak

McKenna Cassidy ’16 and Josh Benjamin ’16 share their opinion on winning Homecoming king and queen

McKenna+Cassidy+and+Josh+Benjamin+are+homecoming+queen+and+king

Courtesy of McKenna Cassidy

McKenna Cassidy and Josh Benjamin are homecoming queen and king

Homecoming is an experience that is ubiquitous to the American high school experience. From the secret ballots to the public declarations on the stadium-lit field, the concept of homecoming royalty seems to dominate a week in the fall. Even if the title seems to have no meaning but the one given to it by the students, popular culture still seems to glorify, idealize and stereotype the winners of the festivities. However, through the interviews below, maybe a holistic perspective of this year’s homecoming winners can be formed.

McKenna Cassidy: Snowcoming Queen

  1. How did it feel to be homecoming queen? 

Quite exciting, I’ll say. When they first announced my name I thought, “Hey I know that girl! and then I concluded, “Oh wow! That girl is me!” All the cheers and excitement made it hard to focus on one thing at a time. Josh and I congratulated one another. Then, the Homecoming Committee girls ran over and replaced my “Court” sash with a “Queen” one and handed me a crown. Many photos were taken! I felt honored afterwards as I walked around, holding my roses. Everyone wished me congratulations (even people I didn’t know!) and were so excited for me. It was nice to be surrounded by people that took such joy in others’ victories.

McKenna Cassidy is announced as queen
Courtesy of McKenna Cassidy
McKenna Cassidy is announced as queen
  1. How was your time at Homecoming? 

Oh my goodness, I had the best time. My friends and I, quite frankly, TORE IT UP on the dance floor. My Queen crown proved to be a very useful object to keep my hair out of my face as we screamed and bounced around. Everyone was in such good spirits, and the seniors definitely made the most of our last high school homecoming. I also greatly enjoyed the snow even though I did not have the opportunity to grab a beignet.

  1. What did you wear? 

I wore an ankle-length black dress with a snazzy, white bandeau and my favorite black, Greek-style Steve Madden sandals. I also dawned my Homecoming Queen sash and crown!

  1. What did you do before Homecoming? 

Before Homecoming, my friends and I met at Scottsdale Quarter to take pictures and eat dinner at Grimaldi’s. While we were waiting to be seated, I took my friends on a quick dash on over to Le Macaron, to indulge in some fresh macaroons. My friends and I seriously pumped up the jams in the car on the way to Homecoming. There is no doubt about that.

  1. What is your favorite homecoming theme at your time at Xavier? 

I’d have to say I loved the candy bar and dance floor-setup at the Candyland-themed Homecoming sophomore year. Also, last year at the Medieval themed homecoming, I marveled at the talent of the acrobats and was ecstatic about the man walking around with the snake. I think snakes are super cool.

Josh Benjamin: Snowcoming King

Josh Benjamin is crowned the new homecoming king
Courtesy of Josh Benjamin
Josh Benjamin is crowned as the new homecoming king
  1. How did it feel to be homecoming king?

It felt like all my life-long dreams and goals came true. I had been training all my life for this moment and had to take away time from other less important things like friends and college applications. My life is pretty much over now that I won. This is the peak of my existence.

  1. How was your time at Homecoming?

I had a phenomenal time at homecoming. Even the man, the myth, the legend himself (Mr. Oldani) bowed to me. I have never been called “Your Highness” so many times in one night and Brophy senior Joe Welty said I will be his liege forever. I also enjoyed some brief dancing with senior Paulina Montano,  who taught me some moves, but I kept that to a minimum because sweating is not very suitable for a king.

  1. What did you wear?

I wore a white banded collar shirt with my family heirloom watch which has been passed down to the first born son in the family since the 15th century. I also wore my favorite khaki trousers tailored at the most elegant shop London had to offer.

  1. What did you do before Homecoming?

Before Homecoming, I left my manor to dine at the manor of senior Countess Nicole Keller and took part in a great photo shoot with many of my loyal vassals and close friends.

  1. What is your favorite homecoming theme from your four years at Brophy?

Clearly, Snowcoming was my favorite because my time to reign benevolently finally arrived. I also enjoy winter because I get to wear my extensive jacket collection.

     6.   Also, how did planning for Homecoming take place?

Well you see, I ordered some of my court magicians like Brophy seniors Jimmy Hawkins and Luis Torres to make some make happen and as my French royalty cousins say “voilà.” One of the greatest dances of the year just shows up every time.