By ALICIA FEYERHERM
Tiger Media Network
The 2023 Homecoming Candidates have been announced. Voting opened at 9 a.m. Wednesday and closes at noon on Friday. Learn more about each candidate below:
Austin Ruff and Evann Deal
Austin Ruff
Who are you?
My name is Austin Ruff, and I grew up on a farm in Hanston, KS. I’m majoring in Political Science (Pre-law) and am currently applying to law school. I previously served as Student Body VP and am now serving on SGA executive staff as the Legislative Affairs Director. I am also a member of Catholic Disciples, Pre-law Society, and College Republicans.
What has been your favorite college memory?
My favorite college memory is probably my first meeting as an SGA Senator. I had not been involved on campus at all my first two years, and with covid, not much had been going on, so it was amazing to get to meet new people, be involved, and start to feel a part of FHSU
Why should students vote for you?
I think students should vote for me because I’ve tried my hardest to better FHSU, be involved, and show everyone that this place can be home. Last year, we worked hard on SGA to get student wages increased, and were successful. We worked with student organizations to bring campus back to life after COVID. Through the last few years, the good times and the bad, FHSU has brought me new friends, new opportunities, and a want to serve this university and give back.
What’s your favorite movie or TV show?
My favorite TV show is “The Crown”. Queen Elizabeth II has been someone I’ve looked up to for years. Her unwavering devotion to her job and her love of country is something that I try to imitate in my personal and professional life – plus the show is amazingly done.
What’s your favorite song right now?
I don’t listen to a ton of music and am not very picky. I can listen to a Taylor Swift song, some phonk while working out, or really anything.
What is something that makes you unique?
I think something that makes me unique is that I’m a twin. Growing up and well into college, we did everything together. Many viewed us as one in the same, and I definitely miss having him here in Hays.
What advice would you give to freshmen?
My biggest piece of advice to freshmen would be to get involved. I was a freshman coming into fall of 2020. There were no events, there were no organization meetings, there were no people. It was incredibly difficult, and I met almost no one. By getting involved, you open yourself up to making new friends, finding exciting opportunities, and building a relationship and appreciation for this community. It might be scary to put yourself out there, but it will make the biggest impact on your college experience if you just take the leap.
Evann Deal
Who are you?
I’m Evann Deal, and I’m a senior majoring in Biology with a minor in Psychology. I am involved in Delta Zeta, Panhellenic Council, FHSU Honors Society, and Pre-PA Club.
What has been your favorite college memory?
My favorite college memory was water games on the quad during Welcome Weekend in 2021. It was the first semester after COVID-19, and we didn’t have restrictions anymore. It was so fun to meet new people and just have a fun time without worrying. That jump-started an amazing school year with athletics and tons of different events on campus.
Why should students vote for you?
I think students should vote for me because I am very passionate about FHSU and the opportunities it allows the students to have. I would love to share my love and pride for FHSU with the community as the 2023 Homecoming Queen.
What’s your favorite movie or TV show?
My all-time favorite TV show is “Grey’s Anatomy”.
What’s your favorite song right now?
Anything Taylor Swift
What is something that makes you unique?
I work as a phlebotomist at HaysMed. I can also solve a Rubik’s cube and say my ABCs backward
What advice would you give to freshmen?
I would tell freshmen to get involved. It is so much easier to get acclimated to FHSU and college when you have people to lean on. It is also crucial to make those personal and professional connections with faculty and staff early on. They can help you out so much when it comes to future endeavors.
Reed McNett and Ella Burrows
Reed McNett
Who are you?
My name is Reed McNett. I am a Junior and my major is Biology Pre-Med. I’m a part of Sigma Phi Epsilon and I am a part of the IFC (Interfraternity Council).
What has been your favorite college memory?
My favorite college memory would have to be last year when I helped with move-in day. I met some great people, made friends that would last a lifetime, and shared some great memories that day.
Why should students vote for you?
To be honest, I don’t want to pressure anyone into voting for me, I just want people to have fun at homecoming because that’s how memories are made. However, voting for me means you are voting for the people on campus. If I win, I would want to celebrate with the people that voted for me because they are people that made this day so special for me.
What’s your favorite movie or TV show?
For my favorite show, I would have to say “Ted Lasso”. It is a funny show, but it also has great quotes and life experiences.
What’s your favorite song right now?
My favorite song is definitely “The Island Song” by Zac Brown Band. The song has such a good vibe and is fun to listen to.
What is something that makes you unique?
One thing that makes me unique is that I will never forget the interaction I have with someone. The first interaction with someone means a lot to me because I want to help someone as much as possible before I graduate. So, if you have ever met some of my friends, they can tell you that I’m always there for them when something is wrong and I’m always willing to help them through it.
What advice would you give to freshmen?
The best advice I can give to a freshman is to be outgoing. Being outgoing allows you to make friends and enjoy college a whole lot more. It also helps you in the classroom because it makes it easy to form study groups that way. Being outgoing is one of the reasons why I joined a fraternity here on campus and I’m so glad I did.
Ella Burrows
Who are you?
My name is Ella Burrows. I am a junior studying Political Science (Pre-Law,) and am involved with the Honors College, Delta Zeta sorority, Pi Sigma Alpha, Young Democrats, VIP Ambassadors, and am currently serving as the President of the Student Government Association. I am also a member of the Hays First United Methodist Church.
What has been your favorite college memory?
My favorite college memory was attending AASCU on the Hill in Washington DC my sophomore year and meeting Senator Moran.
Why should students vote for you?
Students should vote for me because I am very involved on campus and have dedicated my time at FHSU to advocating for higher education and to bettering our campus community.
What’s your favorite movie or TV show?
Favorite movie: “When Harry Met Sally”, TV show: “How I Met Your Mother”
What’s your favorite song right now?
Song: “Boys of Faith” by Zach Bryan
What is something that makes you unique?
I am a fourth-generation Tiger and I am Student Body President.
What advice would you give to freshmen?
Get involved and go to class.
Parker Opat and Abigail Miller
Parker Opat
Who are you?
My name is Parker Opat and I am an Agriculture Education Major. I am currently the President of the Interfraternity Council & Alpha Gamma Rho. I’m also a member of the Teaching Ag Group, Teachers of Tomorrow, Fort Hays Honor Society, CRNC, and Delta Tau Alpha.
What has been your favorite college memory?
My favorite college memory was hands down the Welcome Weekend After Dark event last year. I helped work that event and you could just see how much joy it was bringing to the new students. Fort Hays was making them feel at home the same way it did to me.
Why should students vote for you?
I don’t know if I’m the best candidate for everyone. I think people connect with everyone differently and there are plenty of amazing candidates to connect with this year! What I can say is that I believe I represent a wide variety of people and groups here on campus. I have shown this through being active within my organization and volunteering throughout campus and the community.
What’s your favorite movie or TV show?
My favorite TV show has to be The Originals and my favorite movie is definitely Point Break.
What’s your favorite song right now?
At the moment my favorite song is “Spotless” by Zach Bryan & The Lumineers.
What is something that makes you unique?
One thing that makes me unique from the other candidates is that I am going on my 4th season as a volunteer wrestling coach.
What advice would you give to freshmen?
The greatest piece of advice I could give a Freshman is to take time and enjoy the small things. Make sure to live in the moment because time keeps pulling ahead no matter how hard you try to hold on. So make sure to take the opportunities and go to the small events, join an organization, or even stop and have a conversation with a stranger. These small interactions are what makes the time here at Fort Hays memorable
Abigail Miller
Awaiting response from candidate.
Nathaniel Egan and Jessalyn Kirchhoff
Nathaniel Egan
Awaiting response from candidate.
Jessalyn Kirchhoff
Who are you?
I am Jessalyn Kirchhoff, an Accounting and Finance major. I am Treasurer of Accounting Club, Co-President of Economics Club, Finance Club Secretary, Senior Vice President of Fort Hays Honor Society, President of International Business Club and an Alpha Kappa Psi brother. I am also the Chairwoman of the High Plains Farm Credit Union Student Board of Directors and a VIP ambassador. Last year I was the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship Student Ambassador.
What has been your favorite college memory?
How could I pick just one? FHSU has provided me with countless memories and endless opportunities in the last few years. If I had to pick just one, through Fort Hays I was able to visit Cuba this summer with the International Business Club (IBC). Not only was this the opportunity of a lifetime as I don’t believe I would’ve had the ability to travel there on my own, but I was able to experience this trip alongside seven other students and two faculty advisors. Educational trips like these are extremely important to the cultural development of our students and I am forever grateful that I was chosen for this encounter.
Why should students vote for you?
I believe that students should vote for me because I am a student advocate through and through. I am incredibly honored to be a candidate and I would love to serve as the Fall 2023 Homecoming Queen. Nate and I have some big plans in the works if we win.
What’s your favorite movie or TV show?
“The Wolf of Wall Street”
What’s your favorite song right now?
In Heaven There Is No Beer – by Eddie Blazonczyk and Frankie Yankovic
What is something that makes you unique?
My dance moves. I can really boogie.
What advice would you give to freshmen?
Get involved early! I love my involvement in all of the clubs and I have made some of the best friendships through all of the activities that I have participated in. Find something that you are interested in or curious about and I bet that Fort Hays State University has a club for it.
Storm Flores and Meagan Ritsema
Storm Flores
Who are you?
My name is Storm Flores and I am from the small town of Cimarron, KS. I am a 3rd year college student here at FHSU graduating this May with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. After graduation, I plan to return to campus next fall to pursue my master’s degree. As for campus involvement, I am a member of the criminal justice club and was also a wing representative for the student council in Victor E. Village.
What has been your favorite college memory?
My favorite college memory would be going to Louisville Kentucky with the criminal justice club where I won first place with my cryptography poster. Through the trip, I had the ability to meet new people and bond with my criminal justice club members.
Why should students vote for you?
As a criminal justice major, I embody the values of fairness, leadership, and integrity which can inspire positive change here at Fort Hays. I also am a very outgoing individual and love meeting new people. The reason you should vote for me is because if given the homecoming king title, I will ensure that all students here at FHSU are heard, create a positive change within FHSU, and just because it would make my momma proud.
What’s your favorite movie or TV show?
My favorite TV show is “Yellowstone” because I occasionally transform into a country boy on Thursday nights.
What’s your favorite song right now?
My go to song is “Promiscuous Girl” by Nelly.
What is something that makes you unique?
Something that makes me unique… How many people do you know with the name Storm?
What advice would you give to freshmen?
I would tell an incoming Freshman that they only get out of college what they put in. Every decision made throughout college creates a huge impact in your life down the road so stay motivated, work hard, and have fun.
Meagan Ritsema
Awaiting response from candidate.
Tim Post and Morgan Barbe
Tim Post
Who are you?
My name is Tim and I’m a Business major, I’m involved in Sigma Alpha Epsilon which I’m the president of, The Interfraternity Council as the Vice President of Recruitment and Development, member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, Tiger Team, Alpha Kappa Psi and Student Government Association.
What has been your favorite college memory?
My favorite college memory is Greek Week My freshmen year. I had a great time meeting so many other people also involved in Fraternity and Sorority life while also getting to compete in some pretty fun friendly competitions.
Why should students vote for you?
While I think It’d be great if everyone voted for me and Morgan, I think everyone should go and really look at all candidates and get a chance to learn more about all of them and then decide who you’d like to vote for as your FHSU homecoming royalty for the year. I think I’d be a good candidate to vote for because coming to campus as a freshman I didn’t know anyone else from my hometown so everyone I know I met by getting involved so when I tell and encourage people to get involved to make the most out of your college experience I’m speaking from experience.I also feel like I show school spirit through involvement in both campus organizations and athletics events, as well of being a welcome face around campus.
What’s your favorite movie or TV show?
“Better Call Saul”
What’s your favorite song right now?
“Erase Me” by Kid Cudi
What is something that makes you unique?
I can wiggle my ears
What advice would you give to freshmen?
Get Involved! We have so many different clubs on campus that there really is something for everyone. Not only can you meet a lot of people and make friends, involvement looks great on resumes.
Morgan Barbe
Awaiting response from candidate.
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