Friendly chatter and the sounds of plastic beads with medallions filled the foyer at the Donaghey Student Center Tuesday, Feb. 25.

Campaigning for queen

The familiar sounds were the result of activity surrounding the campaign for UALR’s homecoming queen, an annual tradition in which several contestants vie for student votes and help promote upcoming Trojan basketball games.

The 2014 homecoming queen will be crowned during the men’s basketball game at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 8.

The queen and the top four runner-ups will comprise the homecoming court based on student votes, a first at UALR this year, according to Student Organization Program Coordinator Leah Vaughan.

The following ladies are in the running for homecoming queen: Aqa-Via Allen-Smith, Vivien-Sara Fechner, Allison Jackson, Sharhonda Kelly, Hannah Lee, Jasmine McCoy, Brittney McKinney, Meghan Petersen, Gabrielle Phifer, Andrea Phillips, Haley Stogsdill, Alexa Treml, Hannah Troillet, and Tuesday Williams.

Showing homecoming spirit

Students may vote using their “T” number at the computer stations set up from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 26 and Thursday, Feb. 27, in the DSC.

In addition to the competition for homecoming queen is the outstanding spirit recognition for a student organization. The winning organization will receive the Homecoming Spirit Cup and a $300 monetary award.

In order to qualify for this award, organizations must participate in several Homecoming Week events like the Cardboard Boat Races at the DSC Aquatic Center at noon Friday, March 7, the women’s basketball game at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 8, followed by the men’s game at 7 p.m., in the Jack Stephens Center.

Organizations will be judged on their participation and level of school pride exhibited at each event.

In addition to the title of “Most Spirited Organization,” one fan will be recognized for their Trojan Pride by judges during the men’s game on March 8. In order to qualify for this award, the fan must be an enrolled student at UALR.

The Most Spirited Fan will also be recognized with a trophy and $300 monetary award.

The deadline to register for the Cardboard Boat Races is 5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 28. A mandatory captain’s meeting will begin at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, on court four in the DSC Fitness Center.

Register at ualr.edu/recreation. For more information, contact Campus Recreation at 501.569.3232.