The top 20 Homecoming Nominees were asked to respond to these questions:

1. How did you react when you found out you were up for Homecoming?
2. What activities have you participated in while attending North?
3. What activities, if any, were you involved in outside of North?
4. If you could restart your entire time at North, what would you change?
5. What do you think a freshman attending North should know to prepare them for their next four years?
6. What is your favorite memory of being here at North?

Answers

Ashley Cannon

1. I was beyond shocked and speechless. I transferred from SMNW my junior year, so it’s amazing to feel that I made a difference in just over a year!
2. Medical Science and cheerleading.
3. I am an all-star cheerleader at KC cheer.
4. Coming to North my freshman year, and not going to SMNW.
5. As a goal, be the reason someone smiles everyday! A smile can go so far.
6. Being on the sidelines at football games with the outstanding and crazy student section we have.

Holly Clark

1. I said “yes,” and made a fist pumping motion. Then I thought about what getting nominated meant and I started tearing up a little bit. I was extremely honored and excited at the same time.
2. Four years of Chamber Orchestra, Club 121, Pep Club. Three years playing on the Girls Tennis team (two on Varsity), DECA, staff for Indian Lore. Two years managing Boys Tennis and two years in Chess Club. I have participated in the Drama Lip Syncs and the pit orchestra of Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat. I have also participated as an avid cheerer at many football and basketball games over the last couple of years.
3. I can’t think of any right now, except freshman year being the last year I took dance lessons.
4. If I could restart my time at North I would be more outgoing and try out for sports or musicals because I didn’t really do anything my freshman year. I wish I could change that now.
5. They should know that the more involved you get in clubs, sports, or activities at North, the better your time will be because it helps you find friends you didn’t know you would have. Also, to study for your classes even if you don’t think you need to.
6. There are a lot of really good ones, but one of my favorites was during my junior year. I had just gotten back from a tennis match and I was running across the parking lot to the football game without even changing out of my uniform. I walked into the student sections and across the front row, and all of a sudden everyone is yelling at me, high fiving me, and asking about the match scores. Everyone was so enthusiastic and happy, and I felt incredible even though I’d lost my match because everyone was being so encouraging. It was great to know other people knew what I was doing and they wanted to know how it went. It made me feel really connected to the other students, and that was a great feeling.

Darian Dozier

1. I was super excited and relieved. I’d been waiting for that moment for four years and it finally happened.
2. Strolling Strings, Debate, Varsity Basketball, Varsity Track, and Freshman Volleyball.
3. Girl Scouts, Karate, and the String Ensemble at Kansas City Strings.
4. My time management habits and effort during the semester so [that] the final wasn’t so hard.
5. Have fun as much as possible, but don’t forget about your grades and classes. They are extremely important and get you lots of privileges.
6. Developing all of the personal relationships with my teachers.

Jocelyn Flores

1. When I heard my name as one of the nominees, I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t know how to react – you can say I was in shock.
2. Some of the activities I participated in at North were ROTC (one year) and I helped with the Hispanic Heritage program. I also applied for the Bio-Med program.
3. None
4. I would try more activities such as clubs and school programs. It would’ve made my high school years so much better trying new things.
5. Freshman year is your easiest year. It gets more difficult as the years go by. Prepare yourselves for a lot more homework, as well as studying.
6. The first football game that I attended as a freshman. I enjoyed seeing the upperclassmen in their school spirit, as well as the cheerleaders showing their pride of being an Indian.

Sarah Grandgenett

1. Well, I certainly didn’t expect it! It was really loud in my class when the announcement was made. So I just assumed I was being called to the office for something. Then my friend came up and told me, and I just felt really honored. Thanks everyone who voted for me!
2. I was in Strolling Strings for four years, Gymnastics for 4 years, and will be starting my fourth year of Track in the spring. I did NHS for two years and Key Club for one.
3. I do swim team with the Merriam Dolphins in the summer, and volunteer activities like serving in the St. Paul’s food kitchen and pantry, and helping with vacation bible school. I also worked Bob Evans on the weekends.
4. I’d express my opinions more. I used to be so afraid that if I disagreed with someone, they would hate me or think I was stupid.
5. The best way to counter an insult is with a compliment. Also take Spanish.
6. Laying out on the pole vault mats with Elaina Zinn before track practice.

Darby Huddleston

1.  I was ecstatic. Just knowing that a few people were thinking of me and nominated me was such a huge honor and made me feel great. I think it’s almost every girl’s dream just to be nominated for Homecoming Queen. To have that dream come true, I couldn’t even believe it.
2. I’ve done Volleyball, NHS, Key Club, StuCo, Drumline, Marching Band, and Symphonic Band, as well as a heavy involvement with the Theatre Department. I’m also in A.R.T. and our competitive KC Improv League. I’ve been in five productions in the past few years, and currently I’m a part of The Haunting of Hill House for this fall season (go see it!)
3. [Somewhat] Outside of North I’m a member of Cotillion, which is a really fun way to actually get to know people from the other Shawnee Mission schools. They’re not that different from us really, and I’ve made good friends because of it. In all honestly, North is my life and career so I don’t have much time for a lot outside of it.
4. If I could restart everything? I probably would have done CollegeNow instead of AP.
5. Hold your breath and get ready for some of the best years you’ll ever have.  Don’t let your time here pass you by.
6. One of my favorite memories was being in the cast of the production Leading Ladies, the play that became my first love and sparked a true devotion to all things Theatre.

Goldia Kiteck

1. I’m almost always working in the background of things. So it was kind of a shock to be recognized with an honor such as Homecoming Queen nomination.
2. 4 years- Strolling Strings (cello section leader), Academic Decathalon, Categories (co-captain), Key Club, Math Club 3 years- Cross Country, Journalism (Photo Editor and Mission Editor in Chief), DECA (President and Executive Manager of the DECA store), StuCo 2 years- NHS
3. My life is North. I work a little at Werner’s on Johnson Drive.
4. I wouldn’t change too much. I’m pretty pleased with the way everything has worked out. I’d probably do a few more years of Track.
5. You’re going to have your ups and downs. But once you get to the top of the hill, you’ll feel fantastic.
6. Being a photographer at KU Relays. Nothing really compares to having an all-access pass to take photos and standing within five feet of some of the best Olympic runners.

Addison Leitch

1. I was surprised more than anything. There are so many amazing and deserving girls in the senior class. It is truly a blessing to even be considered.
2. Theatre, Choir, Soccer, Key Club, Cotillion, and Club 121
3. N/A
4. Probably getting involved sooner than I did. There are many things I wish I would have done that I passed up the chance at getting to do.
5. Never second guess yourself. You don’t want to leave high school with any “what ifs?”
6. Going to Friday night football games. This school has so much pride and it is truly amazing. If you would ever want to see how passionate students are about their school–go to a North football game.

Meghan Love

1. Torn. Happy because it is an honor, but I’m nervous because if I make Top 10, I can’t go to Buzz Beach Ball.
2. Soccer, StuCo, Coalition, Key Club, and NHS.
3. Club Soccer, Young Life
4. I wish I hadn’t worried so much about what other people thought of me and who my friends were when I started high school.
5. Focus on school, but don’t let it stop you from getting involved and enjoying your four years.
6. All of the times spent at games with my friends.

Madison McLenon

1. I was sitting in English class and when my name was called, my friend hugged me and was super excited, but I just froze because I never thought my name would be called. So yup, I was pretty nervous.
2. Golf, Cross Country, managing the Boys Basketball team, Pep Club, Club 121
3. I’m in a prayer group, a youth group, and I helped lead a bible study.
4. I would change the fact that I got a job as a sophomore because it was too hard for me to do any activities and keep up with my grades at the same time.
5. It might be scary coming into North as a freshman, but as long as they try to be friendly and join some fun sports or clubs, everything will get better.
6. At WPA my junior year, during one of the songs my friends and some other people made a big circle and the disabled children were wheeled around in the middle by their Para, with everyone cheering them on.

Ara Metz

1. I smiled, and gave Whitney Harvey a high five.
2. Pep club, golf, key club, and cheerleading.
3. Volunteering at Shawnee Mission Medical Center in the child care department, camp counselor, and attending a teen-nursing academy.
4. Being involved more with school and getting to know all kinds of people.
5. Be open-minded about trying new things. If you don’t try new things, you won’t get the full high school experience, which is important.
6. Going to all the football games and helping cheer on our team. Spirit of this school is amazing.

Crysta Moon

1. I was so surprised! I turned to my best friend Sam Yancey and we started freaking out! I felt so honored that my senior class nominated me to represent the school and have a chance to become Homecoming queen.
2. Cross Country for four years, Boys Varsity Basketball manager for two years, Track for two years, NHS, Club 121, OOA director, Dream Team, StuCo for two years.
3. Most of my activities are school-related, but sometimes I do volunteer at my church.
4. Nothing. I love everything about the past four years and wouldn’t change a thing.
5. High school is a lot of work that never stops. Don’t get behind or not involved because it’s too tough. Be as involved as you can!
6. Being a part of the Cross Country team. I’ve made so many wonderful, lifetime friends and I have memories that I will never forget.

Cassie Needham

1. I gasped. Literally. Then I felt really bad because my friends didn’t get nominated. I am really blessed to be nominated.
2. Mainly the Drama Department and Choir. I was a wrestling manager for one year though. Also NHS and IROC.
3. I am really involved with my youth group. I was also in a community production on Into the Woods over the summer.
4. I would join StuCo and do more activities my freshman year. I would get involved earlier than I did.
5. High school isn’t about everybody liking you so don’t be embarrassed to dance during a pep assembly or chant during a game for fear of looking stupid. You’ll gain respect from upperclassmen, and have a lot more fun than people who are “too cool” for it.
6. How to Eat Like a Child. That is my favorite musical I have ever been in. Especially when Mr. Palmer came on stage with a wig on and took my pillow.

Kaytlyn Tiemann

1. I was so excited and honored that my fellow classmates nominated me!
2. NJROTC for four years, Varsity Soccer for four years, Wrestling for two years, Junior and Varsity football manager for one year, and Pep Club.
3. I have played club soccer for many years and club wrestling.
4. I would get more involved in StuCo and I would have also started playing Volleyball, or at least a Football manager for more than one year.
5. Get involved in everything you can, as soon as you can. High school is an amazing four years, but it also goes by very fast.
6. My favorite memory was when a group of friends and I painted our stomachs and put different letters spelling “NORTH” at a home football game sophomore year.

Neyda Venzor

1. I felt mostly excited and honored at the fact that my peers nominated me. It means so much to me to be thought of in a positive way and I am forever grateful.
2. I have been involved in Cheer, Boys Swim and Dive managing, Swimming, Student Council, NHS, and Key Club. I’m a student ambassador and an active Pep Club member. Occasionally I am involved with crews in the theatre department.
3. I have been involved in Young Life and Coalition.
4. I don’t know that I would change anything. I have loved my time at North. If I was forced, I’d say to be involved in a more variety of things.
5. They should know that the more they get involved, the more fun they’ll have here.
6. Every day I make new favorite memories and that is my favorite part. North has become a home and I want to cherish every memory I make here.

Anna Whitaker

1. I was surprised, but it is an honor to represent my school.
2. Four years of NJROTC and Varsity golf.
3. Competitive trapshooting and Law Enforcement Exploring with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and Overland Park Police Department.
4. I would have never attended Northwest my freshman year.
5. This is real. The next four years will make it or break it for you. Don’t lose sight of your goals and do not conform to the crowds.
6. Being able to reap the rewards of hard work with my ROTC family at every competition since freshman year.

Carina White

1. I was so excited, and I almost cried.
2. Cross Country for 2 years, managing this year, Legally Blonde, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, tech for Putnam, Hairspray, OOAs, Club 121, A.R.T., NHS, Student Council, Coalition, N.A.H.S., Chambers Choir, girls soccer, Pep club
3. Girl Scouts, Cornerstone Youth Ministry, I nanny/babysit sometimes, and I walk dogs a lot.
4. I would jump in and be more involved freshman year, especially in the drama department.
5. Work hard; don’t let your academics take a backseat to your social life, but also get involved. It’s hard to find a balance between the two because both are important. Be yourself, work hard, and make the most of your high school experience.
6. It’s hard to pick a favorite. I’ve really enjoyed being part of the drama department, and I especially enjoyed playing Paulette in last year’s production of Legally Blonde. She was such a fun character and I miss her! I also really love my Cross Country friends.

Niki Wrightsman

1. Actually, when my name was read over the intercom, I was in such disbelief that it took a few seconds for the news to sink in. I would have never dreamed that I would ever be included in such a honor – then I danced in the cafeteria!
2. The activities I have participated in while attending North include Girls Swim team, Volleyball team manager, Drama, Rep Theatre, and Advanced Rep Theatre (A.R.T.).
3. The activities I am involved in outside of North would include involvement in my church, summer camp, and working for Johnson County Parks and Recreation as a camp counselor for three- to five-year-old children.
4. If I could restart my high school career, I would definitely change my freshman year. I was very reluctant to get involved in activities because I was extremely shy. I wish I had gotten involved sooner because getting involved in activities was what actually helped me gain the confidence I needed. It allowed me to really enjoy my time here at North and has provided me with many great friendships and memories that I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise.
5. My sincere advice to all incoming freshmen would be to get involved from the beginning. Don’t wait to start enjoying your high school years. High school will be the most fun time of your life. So, start immediately by enjoying activities that inspire you.
6. One of my favorite memories of my high school years so far was when I got the opportunity to do a solo lip-sync performance for Drama. It was so much fun being completely crazy and I enjoyed the reaction of the audience as they laughed with me as I danced crazily. I was completely out of my comfort zone, but I loved it! Also, another favorite memory would definitely be the moment I found out about the Homecoming Court nomination! It is something I will never forget. I am so grateful!

Samantha Yancey

1. I was really surprised! It was really exciting and I was glad I got nominated, along with my best friend Crysta Moon.
2. I’ve been a Varsity swimmer for four years, two years on Cross Country, NHS, Strolling Strings, Club 121, and Student Council.
3. N/A
4. I would have been more outgoing and friendly because I was really shy as a freshman.
5. That everyone there wants them to do well and succeed. The upperclassmen and teachers are there for them.
6. Going to all of the football and basketball games with my friends, and just cheering and dancing and having fun.