Homecoming shines spotlight on what it means to be a Hokie
Past Homecoming Court candidates share their stories and what Homecoming means to them.
The excitement of this year's Homecoming is building across campus – and one group of Hokies is hard at work to make this event an even more meaningful tradition: one that is about philanthropy and what it means to be a Hokie.
Virginia Tech’s Homecoming Court is a group of 10 to 15 students who collaborate with Virginia Tech departments, units, and organizations to represent cause they are passionate about.
These causes serve as the foundations of their platforms and the reasons they choose to be a part of the Homecoming Court.
The platform: Speaking up for a passion
“I decided I wanted to run for Homecoming Court after I spoke with previous candidates about their experience,” said Kylie Arnold, a member of the 2023 Homecoming royalty. “Learning about their passion for their platforms was inspiring, and running aligned with my values. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to engage with our community and raise awareness for a cause I’m passionate about."
Arnold’s passion is shared by all Homecoming candidates, including 2023 candidates, Dominic Hanna and Mason Stanley.
“If you’re passionate about something,” said Stanley, “then Homecoming is the best way to get involved and spread your message.”
“But Homecoming is a little misunderstood because people gloss over the platform,” Arnold said. “It isn’t about the candidate, it’s about the platform. The platform is everything. Homecoming is a way to be a spokesperson for something bigger than yourself.”
Arnold’s platform gave a voice to domestic violence awareness, Hanna’s opened conversations about men’s mental health, and Stanley’s raised awareness for drunken driving prevention.
Dominic Hanna, Homecoming 2023
Hokies can learn about candidates’ platforms for months leading up to Homecoming week, but their passions shine brightest during events throughout the week.
“That was an emotional experience,” Arnold said. “I have such respect for all the candidates I ran with because we all had platforms that were important enough to us that we wanted to get out there and share them with others. Seeing everyone talk so passionately about them made me feel so uplifted and motivated.”
“Being there and helping everyone raise awareness for their platforms was a cool experience,” said Stanley. “I still have connections with members of the court, and that’s a highlight for me. The relationships that came from being a part of Homecoming.”
An opportunity to connect with Hokies
To candidates, Homecoming is an opportunity to engage with the campus community while spreading awareness for a cause. It is a philanthropic effort that highlights what is at the core of every Hokie – the drive to serve and create a better future.
“I had a booth on campus one day to campaign for my platform, and a student shared an emotional story with me that made the work I was doing completely worth it,” Stanley said. “I didn’t care if I won or not after that. I impacted at least one person. That’s all I needed.”
“Students empathize with how much you care,” Arnold said. “You’re doing this because you’re passionate about it. It isn’t about you. So, if you can change the outlook of even one person, it’s all worth it.”
For these candidates, Homecoming is bigger than a vote.
“It’s about philanthropy and our motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve),” Hanna said, “and participating in Homecoming was an opportunity to leave my mark on Virginia Tech in a way I couldn’t have otherwise.”
Fundraising for the candidates’ platforms begins the week before Homecoming, giving the Hokie community an opportunity to meet candidates, learn more about their platforms, and cast their votes by supporting the cause that is meaningful to them.
Money raised during the campaign enables candidates to further their causes by hosting on-campus events in collaboration with Virginia Tech organizations to engage with the campus community. Winners of royalty receive $1,000 grants in order to host events, while all other candidates are able to use the funds that they have raised to support departments that are already programming related to their platform.
Past events have included information booths on the Drillfield with items to decorate for Denim Day, a mental health fair with interactive activities, and presentations with question and answer sessions.
“It was an incredible experience, said Hanna. “I look back and it was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.”
To learn about this year’s Homecoming Court, visit vt.edu/homecoming/court.
