On Oct.13, the University of South Florida’s St. Petersburg Homecoming Royalty winner will be announced at the Royalty Ball, and there are four candidates running to win the title: Jessica Murati, Makenna Wozniak, Beverly Velasquez and Anastasia Fox.
“Running for Homecoming felt like a really meaningful way to celebrate the community that has shaped such a large part of my college experience and to represent the students who make USF what it is,” Murati told The Crow’s Nest.
In her senior year at USFSP, Murati, who is majoring in biology, explained that she loves how Homecoming is a time in the school year where everyone is one.
“There is just a different energy on campus during Homecoming week,” said Murati. “People are excited, traditions come alive, and you really get to see how much community and school spirit there is at USF.”
Jessica Murati is the Vice President of USF Ambassadors, a leader at Future Healthcare Professionals of Rural America, and engages in volunteering, research and mentoring. Her campaign to win voters is giving out treats in small bags to students, hoping to spread positivity on campus.
“I want voters to know that I genuinely care about people… My message would be that you should never be afraid to become involved, take a chance on yourself and create opportunities where they may not already exist,” she said.
Makenna Wozniak is a senior at the USF St. Pete majoring in digital communications and multimedia journalism. She explained that homecoming has a special way of making students come together as one.
“My whole kind of pitch is me being a photographer on campus, I’ve helped out a lot of clubs and organizations, and so I’m kind of a familiar face. Especially also working at the library,” said Wozniak.
Wozniak is also a staff photographer at The Crow’s Nest. Her campaign is focused on photography and creating unique flyers with 3D elements.
“I want everyone in their unique experiences through college to be seen,” said Wozniak. “Everybody is doing this at their own pace, and you know not every achievement may be seen as a big achievement, but I want everybody to know that you know every step of a way is still a step that was made.”
Beverly Velasquez is a freshman at USF St. Pete, majoring in health sciences. She voiced her love for God, and prides herself as someone who puts a lot of effort into the things she cares about. She wanted to engage in something fun during her first year on campus, which prompted her to run for homecoming.
“I just love like everyone is so hyper, so excited you know, the Bull’s pride, the homecoming week especially their doing a lot of fun little events. So that’s really what I’m excited for,” she said.
Velasquez is using social media for her campaign, utilizing her passion for content creation to win voters over. Before coming to USF St. Pete, she owned her own nail business which taught her the value behind marketing herself.
“I want people to just be nice overall; I think that’s like a big part of who I am. I love saying ‘Hi’ to people, including people anyway that I can. Really just representing That’s what it’s like to be a bull. Being hardworking, being friendly,” she said.
Anastasia Fox, a senior marketing major, explained how her USF pride and it being her last year at USF St. Pete compelled her to run for royalty.
“Running for Homecoming Royalty felt like a fun way to celebrate my senior year, show my love for USF St. Pete, and go out with a bang” Fox told The Crow’s Nest.
Fox is the executive director of the USF St. Pete Harborside Activities Board (HAB), allowing her to indulge in her passion for marketing and building community amongst people. She explained that being a part of HAB has taught her the importance of student events such as Homecoming. The lively atmosphere shared by students and staff alike is thrilling to her.
“Homecoming creates opportunities to make memories, meet new people and feel more connected to the USF St. Pete community,” said Fox.
Her campaign is tied to her reason for running — to exit her last year in style while spreading joy across campus. Fox has spent her days handing out flowers and donuts to students, and hanging up flyers titled “One Last Run with the Bulls”, her campaign name.
“I want my message to be that school spirit is about more than just wearing green and gold,” she said. “It’s about showing up for one another, celebrating our community and making sure everyone feels like they belong. I hope to encourage students to get involved, make memories and take advantage of everything USF St. Pete has to offer.”
Each candidate echoed a similar sentiment of being excited for the opportunity to be a part of the Homecoming parade, an opportunity granted to the winner of the Homecoming Royalty. Students are eager to attend the Royalty Ball for a night of excitement, and the big reveal of who will win the USF St. Pete Royalty title.
Photos courtesy of USF St. Pete HAB Instagram.
