Graham Zimmerman, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering, and Tracey Edouard, a senior majoring in public relations, were recently crowned this year’s Penn State Homecoming King and Queen. Read on to hear what we found out about their incredible experience.
HC: Graham, we’ll start with you…
HC: What is your involvement on campus?
Graham: I am in the Penn State Glee Club, a Resident Assistant, a Creamery employee, a member of Penn State Blue in the FACE A Cappela Group, a member of the Audio Engineering Society, the IM Sport Chair for the Blue and White society, a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and a member of Penn State Leadershape.
HC: What did you do to campaign?
Graham: I did not do much at all to campaign actually. I created a Facebook group to let my Facebook friends know about my running for King. Also, I emailed Hamilton Hall, where I am a Resident Assistant. Also, I had the Glee Club, my acapellla group Blue in the FACE and a lot of the RA’s across campus behind me. Other than that, I just talked to some of my fellow engineers in my classes. I really did not “campaign” that much however.
HC: Were you surprised when your name was announced as King?
Graham: I was absolutely shocked. I was actually ready to shake one of the other guys’ hands when they announced it.
HC: What did it feel like?
Graham: It felt like I was in a dream. That whole week, weekend and especially that night. It all felt like I was in a dream. The amount of praise I received from other people and all the love and support from all my friends, family and faculty was unbelievable. When they announced my name, the last four years of my hard work, late nights and involvement just flashed in my head. It made me feel like I actually made an impact here at Penn State. It is really hard to put into words how humbled I am to be the Penn State Homecoming King.
HC: Best part thus far about being PSU Homecoming King?
Graham: The best part about being Homecoming King is the title. It is the fact that I get to represent the Class of 2013 at Penn State, which has been through so much throughout these four years, as well as the other classes below me. I feel like I have the challenge of working even harder now because I want to live up to the title as King, someone who is involved, and gives so much to this University. I feel like giving back to this University even more.
HC: Any advice to next year’s Homecoming Court/King?
Graham: Always do the right thing. No matter where you are, or who is watching. The people who always work hard and do the right things will rise to the top eventually. And never ever turn your back on this amazing University. No matter what we go through, always stay true to the place that is offering you more opportunities than you even know.
HC: Awesome Graham! Now onto you Tracey…
HC: What is your involvement on campus?
Tracey: I am a member of the Penn State Student Orchestra, a Resident Assistant, the leader of the Women’s Volleyball Student Section, the female host of the SAFE program, a Marketing Assistant for Basketball and Softball, and a member of various committees in THON.
HC: What did you do to campaign?
Tracey: I believed the best way to campaign was to reach out to the students and include them in my campaign message. With Bill O’Brien uniting the students and athletes with his “We Are. . .One Team” message, I played off that and created a #OneTeamOneQueen campaign. I couldn’t become Homecoming Queen without help from the students, so I surrounded them with my message of working together, uniting as one and just asking them to choose me to represent them as their Queen. With the use of social media (Facebook, Twitter) and old-fashioned flyering, my message was reciprocated by a lot of students.
HC: Were you surprised when your name was announced as Queen?
Tracey:Â When my name was announced, I was shocked. When going up against such well-deserving candidates, it can be really intimidating. Campaigning in itself was a new experience for me. I felt in over my head. I’ve never had to put myself in the public eye like that before, which was scary for me. I knew I worked hard throughout the week to make students aware of my message, but I never thought I would accumulate enough votes to come out on top.
HC: What did it feel like?
Tracey: First my body went numb, but then I felt all the pressure that seemed to just sit on my chest all week vanish! I was so overwhelmed from the whole week trying to juggle homecoming events, extra curricular activities and school work, that I was mentally and physically completely exhausted. I just broke down in tears. I was so humbled to win, but the moment was so bittersweet because my parents were not able to make it for the crowning ceremony.
HC: Best part thus far about being PSU Homecoming Queen?
Tracey:Â The best part about being Penn State’s Homecoming Queen is seeing all the people who supported me. Walking to and from class the Monday after getting crowned was eye-opening. I was getting congratulated left and right; people who I didn’t even know came up to me proclaiming, “I voted for you!” I was so surprised to see all the support I had. Throughout the week, you’re left in the dark about where you stand in regards to votes, so I didn’t know if I was pushing hard enough. I never thought I would ever be in a position I’m in now. I made sure to thank everyone who took the time to vote for me. I’m only one person. I couldn’t have done it by myself.
HC: Any advice to next year’s Homecoming Court/Queen?
Tracey: Homecoming is such a special time for our school. The week will fly like you wouldn’t even believe, but take a moment to reflect on the honor it is to be a member of the Homecoming Court. You’re going to get tired and you might even feel discouraged from time to time, but don’t give up. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to students. You’d be surprised to see how many people are willing to support you if you just take the time to ask. You’ve truly done something special to be in the position you are in now. Live in the moment. This is your time.