From the moment I proposed the idea of running for homecoming royalty, I was overwhelmed by the support I received.

I contemplated the idea of participating in SU’s 2025 homecoming court for quite a while but was not sure if I truly wanted to. After discussing the idea with a few of my peers, I was amazed by their enthusiasm and quickly signed up.

Once I received affirmation that I was selected for the court, along with the scoring details, I was intimidated. There was a lot to do in a short amount of time. Fundraising for a philanthropic cause, community service, an interview and voting all factor into the selection of the two candidates who are crowned homecoming royalty.

The most important objective in my eyes was to raise as much money as I could since it would have the greatest impact on our community, and I set the ambitious goal of fundraising $1,000 in just two short weeks. I immediately knew I wanted to hold a pay-what-you-can photography fundraiser, but I struggled to generate other ideas.

I eventually devised a plan to run a penny wars fundraiser between all four CJM student media organizations, but I was not sure if it would be successful. After talking to some students, I decided to just go for it, and I am so glad I did.

The competition was fierce, but it remained friendly — for the most part. As a whole, the fundraiser generated over $300, which was so much more than I could have ever imagined.

I would like to shout out to WSYC for raising over $160, and Claire’s grandparents for rounding up over $40 in change over fall break. Your enthusiastic support to the penny wars truly meant a lot to me.

Between penny wars, my photography fundraiser, a GoFundMe and a fundraiser at Arooga’s, I raised almost $1,700 for Big Red’s cupboard — a feat of which I am extremely proud. 

But I could not have done it without the support of such an amazing group of people. You showed up and took my goals further than I ever dreamed possible.

So from the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who voted, participated in my fundraisers and stood beside me through it all. I have felt so loved over the past few weeks, and that means more to me than a title and crown ever will.

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