As Merrillville’s Homecoming game is approaching, the members of the Homecoming Court are anxiously awaiting to hear who will receive the crown next Friday against Valparaiso. The five girls were nominated by teachers and staff with students voting for the winner.  Get to know them a little bit better: 

Q: Why did you choose to run, and why should people vote for you?

Isabella Altieri: “I chose to run because I wanted to try again after last year, and I feel like people should vote for me because I’m motivated and have a lot to offer.” 

Pascha Campbell: “I chose to run because I like the challenge of campaigning against four other girls. I also thought it would be a fun opportunity. It’s my senior year and you can only do everything once and I want to look back and be happy about what I’ve done. People should vote for me because I feel like I exemplify all of Merrillville High School’s standards. I feel like people can come to me, I’m always outgoing, I’m always helping people out as best as I can.”

Joy Cantu: “I chose to run mostly because I didn’t win last year, so I kind of wanted to run again to see if I could win. I’m kind of competitive and so I wanted to do it again and experience being in front of everyone because it’s very exciting since homecoming is so big here. I think everyone should vote for me because I’m very involved. I’m the first girl to start on the boys wrestling team so I’m kind of a first for the school, and I would love to be the first wrestler homecoming queen. I’m also really nice.” 

Heaven Puryear: “I chose to run because I thought it would be a great experience for me since it’s my senior year of high school. I believe it would get my name out there more and it would really be fun for me. I think people should vote for me because i have great school spirit, I’m a great role model for women and girls in general”  

Rylee Slathar: “I chose to run for homecoming queen because I feel like it’s an exciting opportunity and a great experience – win or lose. People should vote for me because I go out of my way for people; I feel as if people can come to me for anything and everything. I’ve represented Merrillville all four years and executed their rules and standards, and overall I’m a great role model.” 

Q: How did it make you feel when you found out you were nominated ?

Isabella Altieri:  “I felt pretty happy, I wasn’t actually expecting to make it again.”

Pascha Campbell: “I was happy, honestly, I came late that day and I walked into student services and they told me to speak to Ms. Kiser and she surprised me with a Crumbl Cookie and I was so shocked. Whoever wins we should all be proud to just be on the court.”

Joy Cantu: “I was very excited to be nominated for something again. I loved the campaigning and the competitiveness of it all, and I was just really grateful that I got a chance to prove myself again.”

Heaven Puryear: “I was really happy, I wouldn’t say it was unexpected but it was shocking because a lot of girls ran and there were a lot of good options the teacher could have picked from and I’m very glad I was one of them.”

Rylee Slathar:  “Finding out I was nominated I was excited but definitely nervous because I’m not an outgoing person.”

Q: What part of Homecoming week are you most excited for ?

Isabella Altieri: “I’m looking forward to the game as well as the dance because we get to dress up.” 

Pascha Campbell: “The dance. This is my first and last dance. I didn’t go any other year. I’m also looking forward to the parade because I get to be in the car and throw candy, so the dance and parade for sure”

Joy Cantu: “I think I’m most excited for the game since there’s going to be so many people there and I’ll probably be really nervous, but I’m mostly ready to get my hair done, get my makeup done, wear my dress and that’s probably the most exciting.”

Heaven Puryear: “The night they announce homecoming queen because I feel like it’s going to be a lot of different nerves and emotions that’s going on with all of the girls,but also a mix of excitement because parents are going to be there and family and friends.”

Rylee Slathar: “I’m most excited for pep rally and the football game because I get to dance at both and that’s really exciting and thrilling”

Q:Are you a part of any extracurricular activities ?

Isabella Altieri: “I’m the secretary for Student Government and National Honors Society. I’m the class treasurer and I’m also a part of the varsity volleyball team.”

Joy Cantu: “I am in National Honors Society; I’m a part of the Spanish Club; and I’m on the varsity boys wrestling team.”

Pascha Campbell: “I do Freshman Mentors, Student Government, Mock Trial, Spanish Club, Merrillivlle Motivators and I’m a part of the MHS Band.”

Heaven Puryear: “I’m the president of the National Honor Society;  I’m president of the HOSA Club; I’m in one of the leader positions for Freshman Mentors; I’m also a member of the Spanish Club; and then I’m also a part of the club Safe Spaces for Young Girls.”

Rylee Slathar: “I’m a part of the MHS Dance Team, HOSA, and Freshman Mentors.”

Q: What traits do you feel qualify you to be homecoming queen

Isabella Altieri: “I’m very social and humble. I’m outgoing when you get to know me and I represent Merrillville very well. “

Pascha Campbell: “I’m compassionate, outgoing, energetic, sympathetic, I feel like I can really talk to anybody and have a real one-on-one conversation, but I feel I really connect with people on a deep and personal level. Even though I know a lot of people, I still feel like I have a great understanding of who they are as an individual because I care about them and I feel like that really draws me to people because they know I really do care about them.”

Joy Cantu: “ I have a great personality, I work really hard, I’m dedicated, and I’m very proud to be a Merrillville Pirate. I’m very genuine and honest. What you see is what I come across as and I’m very competitive so I think that will help.”

Heaven Puryear: “Traits I think I hold include great leadership. I’m super sweet and kind; there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for anybody. I also hold great spirit and positive energy. No matter what, I always try to remain resilient and positive.”

Rylee Slathar: “I’m passionate, I maintain a positive attitude, I’m very dependable and I respect and treat everybody kindly. “

Q: What does winning mean to you?

Isabella Altirei: “Winning means a lot to me because I’m a competitive person, so it would make me really happy if I won.” 

Pascha Campbell: “Winning means a lot. It is my 18th birthday at the Homecoming game, so to attend the game and then be crowned queen would definitely be an ultimate birthday gift, and it would mean all my hard work paid off.” 

Joy Cantu: “Winning means a lot because, again, I’m so competitive, so it will be very cool to be the first girl wrestler to win, and it will be very special since all my family and friends will be at the game. I’m just really excited to be there with the girls that are running because they’re great.”

Heaven Puryear: “Winning means a lot to me, not just with me becoming a Homecoming Queen, more like with life in general. I know it’s OK to have setbacks, and the other four girls that I’m up against are more than qualified like me, but I feel as if I’m made and set up to win.”

Rylee Slathar: “It would be a great honor. It means everyone appreciated my efforts and all my effort paid off.”