Joshua Sarfert
Social Media Coordinator

There’s an excited yet anxious feeling in the air. After a day of casting votes and “Nominate me!” posts shared on social media, hundreds of students refresh their feeds to find out who will make the homecoming court. 

Similar to most American high schools, R.J. Reynolds allows students to nominate a group of four guys and eight girls to represent the school on the homecoming court. A tradition filled with creative banners in the hallways and free candy given to people who promise to cast their vote. Everyone’s asking the question, ‘Who should I vote for?’

Karol Herrera-Contreras

As she embarks on her final year at RJR, Karol Herrera-Contreras is seizing every opportunity to create lasting memories.

“I wanted to run for queen just to do it for fun,” Herrera-Contreras said. “I saw the other people do it, and it looked like it would be a fun thing to do at the end of my time here.”

As a dedicated member of the marching band, the close knit community was an integral part of her experience at Rjr.     “Being with everyone, collaborating, being with friends, and all the memories, it’s amazing I love it,” Herrera-Contreras said. “I enjoy the football games with everyone; that’s one of my favorite memories.”

Anyone who knows Herrera-Contreras will recognize her friendly persona, a quality that sparks a welcoming atmosphere wherever she goes.

“Hearing other people say ‘Oh hey Karol, I’m so happy to see you’ makes me happy,” Herrera-Contreras said.

Whether it’s through her involvement in marching band or the friendships she’s cultivated, Herrera-Contreras is determined to make the most of her final chapter at RJR.

Reese Reyes

Reese Reyes embodies what it means to be ‘Reynolds Ready.’ Being involved in a variety of clubs and activities at RJR, Reyes has demonstrated what it means to be a leader in both academics and extracurriculars.

“I really wanted to run for homecoming queen because I think it’s a good way to represent the school and its values,” Reyes said. “I believe that I embody what an RJR student is.”

One way Reyes uses her voice and talents is through her extensive extracurricular involvement.

“I am interested in STEM mostly,” Reyes said. “I am involved in the RJR cyber demons, which is the school’s robotics team. I am a programmer this year, but I have also been their outreach person.”

Along with STEM, Reyes takes action in activities designed to help the school community thrive. 

“I am on the superintendent student council,” Reyes said. “I am also the president of the financial literacy group… We spread financial literacy and help educate students about things like FAFSA and credit cards.”

Reyes’s determination to shine a light on students who may feel overlooked is her drive for her candidacy. She hopes she can inspire others to reach out of their comfort zones.

“When I was a freshman and sophomore, I wasn’t really extroverted,” Reyes said. “I think me running for homecoming queen can inspire others, and I could be a role model for those who might be more introverted.”

Bailey Wishart

Bailey Wishart is As her senior year unfolds, so does her desire to take in every moment.

“I originally wanted to run because I thought it would be a fun thing to do,” Wishart said. “I think it would be fun if some random person ran for homecoming queen. [I] just wanted to spice it up.”

For Wishart, the desire to be queen goes beyond just the title.

“I really just wanted to walk on the field,” Wishart said. “I just want to dress up; I think it would be fun to be the center of attention.”

Wishart’s vibrant personality is mirrored in her extracurriculars. She is an active member in an assortment of activities.

“I am on the varsity field hockey team, and I have been for two years,” Wishart said. “I’m in ASL, Spanish honor societies, and Ronald McDonald House club.”

Showing off her artistic talents, Wishart likes to indulge in creative hobbies in her time outside of school. 

“I would say I’m creative,” Wishart said. “I love to draw and play guitar. I started playing in eighth grade, and I didn’t do it at my school because they didn’t have it, but RJR did have a guitar program. I think it’s such a good class to take because you get to work at your own pace and see yourself improve.”

Wishart reflects on her senior year, where she is cherishing every moment.

“My favorite memory is just doing all the fun senior things. That’s been a good memory that I think I’ll look back on fondly,” Wishart said.

As Wishart prepares to walk the field, her vibrant spirit and willingness to go outside the box make her a great candidate for queen.

“People should vote for me because I’m a cool silly gal, and I think it would be fun if someone who has a silly time with purple hair won,” Wishart said.

Jalala Miller

 A cheerful member of the R.J. Reynolds community, Jalala Miller is running for queen in hopes of creating a lasting impact on the community.

“Full transparency, I was like senior year, why not,” Miller said. “I thought it would be a fun thing to do, but once I learned about the queen of compassion, that’s what drew me in because it’s raising money for an on-campus service project, and as an active member of the community that really sparked an interest.”

Miller is an active member of the cheer team. Using her compassionate spirit, she brings her community together.

“I’ve been on cheer for four years,” Miller said, “The best thing about it is we’re just really good at communicating with each other. If there is an argument or disagreement, I love how we are able to be like, ‘ok, I feel this way, you feel this way, I’m sorry.’”

With her compassionate spirit and deep involvement in both the school and community, Miller wants all to feel like they have a place where they belong.

 “I get along with everyone,” Miller said.“I like to make sure everyone feels included and that people don’t feel left out, and if there’s anything that I can do, I’ll be there.”

Arvriel Douthit

Running for homecoming queen is more than just a high school tradition—it’s a family legacy. With an assortment of extracurriculars and a passion for uplifting students, Ariel D is making her mark on the homecoming court.

“I’ve had cousins in the past who ran and won,” Douthit said. “I was like, ‘Hmmm, maybe it’ll be fun,’ so I decided to go for it.”

With her involvement in sports and other activities, Douthit likes to keep a variety when it comes to her after-school activities.

“I am in the orchestra, I wrestle, and I’m the president of the metaphysical club,” Douthit said. “I’ll always remember having lunches with my best friends while the musicians of Reynolds would perform.”

Soaking in the rest of her High school career, Douthit is cherishing the last moments.

“It doesn’t matter who you vote for; all of us are beautiful young women who represent RJR at its best.”

We reached out to Zariah Finley, Jakiya Fleming, and Kyla Eldridge who are also in court, but we did not get a comment.