Homecoming is in full swing here at Saginaw Valley State University, and our red pride is shining strong. This has to be one of the best weeks on campus, and one of the most competitive between the RSO's. Cardboard boat races, Yell Like Hell, Macho Volleyball, Pep Rallies, window painting and preparing ourselves for the tailgate and the big game on Saturday against Northern. During the game, ten of our fellow Cardinals will walk onto the field and await to see which one of them will be crowned Homecoming King and Queen. But before that can happen, the student body must vote!

Voting for Homecoming King and Queen will be starting Wednesday, October 5th at noon and will close on Thursday, October 6th at noon. For some students, they already know who they are going to vote for, and have their own reasons why. For other students, they don't know a single person on the court. To help you out, I interviewed the 10 candidates and ! Without further a due, I present the 2016 Homecoming Court:

The Ladies:

D'Onna Cameron

Year: 5th year

Major: Business Administration

Organization you're representing: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. I am involved with a sorority on Campus Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. We focus on public service with a primary focus on the black community. I am currently the President of my chapter and we just completed voter’s registration.

Other organizations you're in: I am a mentor for Uniquely Me Mentoring where we mentor young black women on campus to help them work towards their Academic, Financial, & Community Service goals. We will be starting the program back up later this semester.

What is your favorite hobby? I enjoy singing, running, and traveling.

If you could be any animal, what would you be? I would be an elephant.

What's your best quality as a person? My best quality is my optimistic/realistic personality. I am able to stay positive while still being able to be realistic with my thoughts.

Why did you choose SV? I did not have the opportunity to choose a university. I was not given the opportunity to visit different universities in high school. I did not think I would be in college or even graduate but I'm here. I graduated high school with a 2.3 GPA and a 17 ACT score SVSU was 1 of 3 other 4 year institutions to accept me. Coming to SVSU saved me I'm not sure where I would be if it was not for SVSU. I did not really have a plan after high school and I was not sure if i was smart enough for college material. No one ever told me to go to college I just went because I had no other plan. My first week at SVSU I was put in the KCP program which showed me effective study habits & ways to get more money to pay for school. I have learned the importance of being involved in my community and campus. School is not just about getting the grades but its about growing as an individual. I have been able to study abroad, Go on an Alternative Breaks Trip, Be a part of Student Association and where I was able to help with battle of the valleys and so many more programs. I am a part of a more new organization Uniquely Me where we mentor young black women on campus. That’s why without SVSU I'm not sure where I would be. I did not choose SVSU they chose me they put the faith in me to be the best version of myself.

Why should the student body vote for you? I would like to be voted homecoming queen because I have worked extremely hard to be at SVSU. I have overcame many obstacles from not eating just to get books or working 13hour shift to pay monthly tuition bills. This is not to say my opponents do not deserve it but this is to show the drive behind my passion for SVSU.

Haley Gouine

Year: 4th year

Major: Exercise Science

Organization you're representing: Alpha Sigma Alpha social sorority

Other organizations you're in: Adventure club, Outside SVSU, Campus Recreation, GAMMA.

What is your favorite hobby? When I’m not coming up with the next hottest remix, I enjoy cycling, and drinking coffee.

If you could be any animal, what would you be? I would totally be a red panda.

What's your best quality as a person? I think my best quality is being able to over come many things, with a constant smile on my face.

Why did you choose SV? I chose SVSU because the moment I stepped on campus for a tour, my heart was home.

Why should the student body vote for you? I think the SVSU community should vote for me because my rhyme game has been on fire for this campaign, and I feel that I’ve used my time here at SVSU to grow myself in a way that best represents what the university has to offer to their students.

Laura Gray

Year: 3rd year

Major: Elementary Special Education

Organization you're representing: Kappa Tau Epsilon

Other organizations you're in: SMEA, APO, JPII Catholic Ministries, Club Red

What is your favorite hobby? Volunteering!

If you could be any animal, what would you be? A sting ray because they are so soft and when you see their face they look super happy.

What's your best quality as a person? I care.

Why did you choose SV? I loved the feeling of being cared about. After I toured I felt like I wasn't just a number.

Why should the student body vote for you? I love SVSU with all my heart, and have devoted a lot of time to bettering the school and community.

Rebecca "Becks" Meredith

Year: 4th year

Major: Elementary Special Education

Organization you're representing: Forever Red

Other organizations you're in: Alternative Breaks, Habitat for Humanity, College of Education Leadership Team

What is your favorite hobby? Either biking or walking. I love being outside in the fresh air and being active.

If you could be any animal, what would you be? I would be a bird because they can get to places so much faster by flying. I need to have this ability so I can utilize the most out of the 24 hours in a day.

What's your best quality as a person? My happiness and positivity

Why did you choose SV? Because I knew from my first tour that this place would become my home and community. It has not disappointed yet. I love this university more than a normal person should.

Why should the student body vote for you? They should vote for me because I am a great representation of what it means to have Red Pride. This school has given me so many different opportunities to grown and learn, I just want to share that with our community here on campus and with the surrounding community.

Melissa Whitford

Year: 4th year

Major: Marketing major with a Communications minor.

Organization you're representing: American Marketing Association.

Other organizations you're in: Delta Sigma Pi, Forever Red, Orientation Programs, Club Red, UVW Council, RHA, Vitito Global Leadership Institute, Dean's Student Advisory Council, Food Force and I'm a Business Peer Adviser.

What is your favorite hobby? Horseback riding, I have a horse named Cooper.

If you could be any animal, what would you be? An elephant.

What's your best quality as a person? That's a really hard question lol I would have to say, my professionalism.

Why did you choose SV? I chose SVSU because it offered a small campus community but it was still an accredited university with a variety of opportunities.

Why should the student body vote for you? I feel like I would represent the university really well and I love SVSU.

The Gentlemen:

Sean V. Gilmore

Year:

Major: Accounting/Minor: Spanish and Finance

Organization you're representing: First Year Suite

Other organizations you're in: Residential Life (RA), Forever Red Closed Member, Delta Sigma Pi - Community Service Chair, First Year Board Advisor, Lion's Club, Chemistry Club, Study Abroad, Club Red (Tour Guide), Tutor in Accounting, Dumbledore's Army.

What is your favorite hobby? Walking around campus and talking to random people all day. Along with listening to musicals.

If you could be any animal, what would you be? Deer. The are graceful.

What's your best quality as a person? Respect

Why did you choose SV? The community and how everyone on campus is approachable.

Why should the student body vote for you? I believe that SVSU should vote for me because I feel that I care and give my whole heart to Saginaw Valley. I like to think I am nice guy and feel I would do an amazing job representing my home!

Michael Hensley

Year: 4th year

Major: Criminal Justice

Organization you're representing: Forever Red

Other Organizations you're in: Student Association Cabinet, Criminal Justice Society, Student life Event Coordinator.

What is your favorite hobby: putting tiny ships in small bottles

If you could be any animal, what would you be? Easy, Cardinal

Whats your best quality as a person? My best quality is the ability to find the joy in any situation.

Why did you choose SV? I chose SVSU because there was something that made it feel like home to me when I took my first tour. A feeling I’ll never forget because its stuck with me ever since I first stepped foot on this campus.

Why should the student body vote for you? The SV Community should vote for me because I make people laugh, who doesn’t want a funny Homecoming King?

Shane R. McClure

Year: 3rd year

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Organization you're representing: TKE

Other organizations you're in: ENCORE, Forever Red

What is your favorite hobby? Singing.

If you could be any animal, what would you be? Penguins. They're not what you'd expect, because they're birds who don't fly but are incredible swimmers. They're full of surprises and are adorable.

What's your best quality as a person? I'm an approachable person and pretty social, and although I may forget your name I won't forget your face.

Why did you choose SV? I wanted a fresh start after high school where I could be the person I wanted to be.

Why should the student body vote for you? I believe I represent the friendliness and community atmosphere of SVSU, and I'm full of pride for my university. I put forth almost all of my free time to organizations on campus so other students can excel and meet their goals, and care incredibly about this campus.

Timothy "Willy" Nelson

Year: 6th year

Major: Communication Organization you're representing: Phi Kappa Tau

Other organizations you're in: Phi Kappa Tau, Student Association, Program Board, Habitat for Humanity SVSU Campus Chapter, Alternative Breaks, International Orientation Leader.

What is your favorite hobby? Giving high fives to my favorite bird, Coop.

If you could be any animal, what would you be? Winnie the Pooh because he has an excellent group of friends.

What's your best quality as a person? I’ve been told I am a great listener.

Why did you choose SV? My mother was pregnant with me while she was an undergraduate here. Essentially I have been going here since I was in the womb. Naturally this place has always been my second home.

Why should the student body vote for you? I can't say I am any more deserving than the other students who made court. I hope the campus community takes the time to vote for their friends during this next round of voting.

Jason Pelletier

Year: 4th year

Major: Sociology

Organization you're representing: Alpha Sigma Alpha

Other organizations you're in: Phi Kappa Tau, NSLS, GAMMA

What is your favorite hobby? Camping, hanging out with my fraternity brothers.

If you could be any animal, what would you be? Rhinoceros

What's your best quality as a person? I laugh at myself a lot, and sometimes I catch people laughing near me, so for 22 years now I've always hoped it was with me and not at me?

Why did you choose SV? I'm from Bay City, and the community atmosphere instantly grabbed me after visiting as a high school junior.

Why should the student body vote for you? I live, breath, and sleep red and blue. Cardinal pride runs through my blood & I try to best represent and promote SVSU in my travels near and far.

Regardless of which of the candidates gets crowned at Saturday's game, Saginaw Valley has the best representatives standing on that field. I would like to wish each of the candidates my biggest congratulations to be representing us this week, and wish them the best of luck as voting begins! Don't forget to vote for your two favorite candidates starting Wednesday at noon! Happy Homecoming, friends! Remember, stay safe, have fun, and Lets Go Cards!