A quick peek at this year’s nominees for prom royalty.
Clockwise from left: Wesley Price, Lauren Jorgensen, Brandon Tara, Lauren Brueggeman, Kevin Kumar, Karisma Fears, Mario Ventrello, Katie Boyer, Photo courtesy of TJ Yearbook
With Prom arriving this Friday, April 22, Spartans should be aware of who they voted for to represent them as King and Queen. Winning Prom royalty is a high honor, but many feel privileged just to be nominated. English Teacher Amber Wilson explains what it means to be prom royalty: “What I think is neat at TJ is when I look at the nominees. They represent some of the best qualities in all of the student body, and for their peers to recognize that shows that our school is on the right path. The nominees this year really exemplify what a Spartan should be.” This year, the ceremony and the dance will take place at Infinity Park. Here the king and queen of TJ seniors will be honored and presented with a crown and a sash as well as the title of “Prom King” or “Queen.”
Here are the profiles of the 2011 nominees.
Queen Nominees:
Katie Boyer
Why should you be prom royalty?
“It shows that my kindness towards people is appreciated and I’m cool with mostly everyone in the senior class.”
How did you react when you found out you were nominated?
“I was really surprised but excited; I never thought that I would be nominated, but I’m glad that I am.”
What do you want to say to the people who voted for you?
“I really appreciate the recognition and I hope that I get to lead you as your queen.”
Lauren Brueggeman
Why should you be prom royalty?
“In high school there’s a lot of ‘cliques’ and groups of different people and I feel like I represent a group that doesn’t get much recognition, so I’m proud of that.”
How did you react when you found out you were nominated?
“I thought it was ridiculous. I was shocked, but I will admit that I was very happy.”
What do you want to say to the people who voted for you?
“I think the ones who voted for me were mainly my close friends, but I want to say thank you to all of you and I love you.”
Karisma Fears
Why should you be prom royalty?
“Why shouldn’t I be prom royalty?! But seriously, because I’m nice and I’m friends with a lot of people.”
How did you react when you found out you were nominated?
“I was shocked. When Mrs. Wilson told me, I really didn’t believe her.”
What do you want to say to the people who voted for you?
“Thank you, I really appreciate it. Without you I wouldn’t be here today.”
Lauren Jorgensen
Why should you be prom royalty?
“I think I have a good attitude and I’m nice to everyone.”
How did you react when you found out you were nominated?
“I was surprised. I think there are really good choices though, and it was a good change of pace from the normal group that seems to be involved in everything.”
What do you want to say to the people who voted for you?
“A big thank you to you all; it’s an honor just to know I was nominated.”
King Nominees:
Kevin Kumar
Why should you be prom royalty?
“I’m very nice and I’d represent TJ well.”
How did you react when you found out you were nominated?
“I was awestruck and happy to be in such a great class of nominees.”
What do you want to say to the people who voted for you?
“Thank you, I’ll represent. God bless.”
Wesley Price
Why should you be prom royalty?
“I’ve been here for four years and I’ve grown to love everybody, so for that alone I deserve to be the King!”
How did you react when you found out you were nominated?
“It felt good. I didn’t know people even thought of me to be their Prom King.”
What do you want to say to the people who voted for you?
“Thank you for this opportunity. I appreciate that you all recognized me.”
Brandon Tara
Why should you be prom royalty?
“I set a great example. People look up to me and I think I make a good role model for underclassmen and for Spartans in general.”
How did you react when you found out you were nominated?
“I was overjoyed. Knowing the recipients from the past years, I’m happy to know that people see that I have some of the same qualities as them.”
What do you want to say to the people who voted for you?
“Thank you. I’m honored; it would be a huge privilege to win, and I know I won’t let you down.”
Mario Ventrello
Why should you be prom royalty?
“I’m lovable and spontaneous, and I give the best hugs around.”
How did you react when you found out you were nominated?
“I was shocked. I had no idea, but it was definitely a good feeling.”
What do you want to say to the people who voted for you?
“Much love to everyone. I wish that everyone could be King, though. I don’t know about the girls, but the guys and I already decided that we’re all King no matter who wins.”
Prom is, without a doubt, one of the highlights of any senior’s year, but for these lucky seniors, it may be even better if they get crowned as royalty. Good luck ladies and gentlemen!
