Noah Davis and Emily Hutsko were crowned the 2016 Homecoming King and Queen at halftime during Seton Hill University’s (SHU) football game against Mercyhurst University Oct. 22. Christian Carter and Dipeeka Bastola, last year’s Homecoming King and Queen, attended the game to crown Davis and Hutsko.
“I would’ve been happy for anyone that would’ve gotten it, so whenever they called my name, it was a fun feeling,” Davis said. “It was really quite fast and I didn’t truly grasp it until I was off the field.”
Davis is an English literature major with a certification in secondary education. He is the captain and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) representative for the men’s basketball team, treasurer of the English Club and a member of the Honors Program.
“Whenever I see people when I’m walking around campus, I always make sure to say hello or smile, or at least make eye contact with people,” Davis said. “I’ve always wanted to make sure that my presence makes people happy or comfortable. Homecoming King tells me that I left a positive influence at Seton Hill.”
The new Homecoming King and Queen have known each other for a while, since they both lived in Havey Hall their freshman year. Hutsko is a biology and psychology double major. She is president of SAAC, a teaching assistant for Connections, an orientation leader and a member of the field hockey team, Chemistry Club, Psychology Club, Nature Club, College Republicans and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
“I want to represent Seton Hill the best way I can, so having that title just makes me want to do it ten times more,” Hutsko said. “I definitely never thought I would get this honor, so that makes me feel totally blessed and loved. I want to show others that they are loved and blessed just as much.”
Hutsko said despite the week being “hectic” at first, she felt honored to simply be nominated, let alone become Homecoming Queen.
“I was just overwhelmed in my emotions,” Hutsko said. “My mom was super proud of me and my grandma was crying, so seeing that I could make them happy and make my friends happy…it was awesome and surreal.”
Davis said he already knew every member of the homecoming court and the group had “good chemistry” together. Along with Davis and Hutsko, the homecoming court included Fito Andre, Michael-Patrick Buckley, Emmanuel Joshua, Christian Strong, Catrina Abbott, Paula Carvajalino, Marisa Corona and Emily Frost.
“It was a great honor to be with everybody that was also selected,” Davis said. “I feel that everybody on the court really represents Seton Hill well, so to be grouped in with those people was very great.”
Hutsko said throughout the week, she became close with the other nominees for Homecoming Queen. Prior to the football game, they discussed what outfits they planned to wear, and at the game they took photos together and met each other’s families.
“I really got to know them well in a short amount of time, and that just shows who they are as people and their character,” Hutsko said. “I know that I always have friends in them from this experience, so I am just so blessed to have that opportunity to get to know them because they’re amazing girls.”
Davis is currently applying to graduate schools across the country to obtain his master of fine arts in creative writing. Although graduate school may prevent him from returning to crown next year’s king, Davis said he will be back to visit his younger brother and spend time with friends.
“I’m really just enjoying everything that Seton Hill has to offer, all of my friends have to offer, all of my activities have to offer,” Davis said. “I’m just staying in the moment, but also being prepared for the future.”
After graduate school, Davis plans to pursue a doctor of philosophy degree in English literature and become a university professor.
“These four years are really formative in how you begin to see yourself as an individual,” Davis said. “I think that what Seton Hill has created is the foundation for my adult life. Of course things will shift, but I think what I’ve gained from Seton Hill will continue to show through in my behaviors to my professional life.”
Hutsko will graduate from SHU in December 2017, and plans to attend nursing school to be a nurse practitioner. Afterwards, she hopes to attend midwifery school and start practicing as a midwife. Before graduating, she said she will enjoy herself and make memories with the students and faculty at SHU.
“The overall support that I got from everyone was very uplifting and it was an awesome week,” Hutsko said. “I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and I enjoyed spending time with the court and my friends that were here. It was a great memory that I’ll have forever.”
Published By: Paige Parise