Brayden Jaksa: I decided to run for homecoming court because it is a really cool experience. You are only a senior once and you are able to do it with your friends, so why not? I did not have too many clear intentions but Maya and I wanted to be the couple that won it. Unfortunately, we didn’t, but it was still a great experience.

I think I represent Irvington well not only because I am a good student, but I also think I am a role model when it comes to playing sports. However, as a student-athlete, school still comes first so I try to get good grades. I don’t try to do too much and just have people around me who push me to do the best I can.

I played varsity basketball in freshman and sophomore year and varsity baseball all four years of high school. I think a lot of people look up to the fact that I created these opportunities for myself and was involved in so much.

Every senior night that I was part of was very special. Seeing the seniors who put me under their wing is very emotional but also a very beautiful thing.

You wouldn’t think about how many people support you, especially in other grades. That feeling is always in the back of your mind. Throughout the week, we didn’t know if we were even going to get top 10. We were confident, but there were always fluctuating thoughts, especially when people kept on asking if we were going to win.

You want to have good relationships with people where they look up to you. Building your own presence is really important. Social media is a really big way to do that and also doing some stuff around campus.

I am grateful for my friends who helped me and also the other candidates. We all supported each other. At the end of the day, it’s a lot of the luck of the draw so you just need to keep on pushing it. Having someone to lift you up is the best part.