Deciding to run for Homecoming court was a fun opportunity for me and my boyfriend, Brayden. We’ve been together a long time, and many people see us as a couple, as it’s always “Brayden and Maya.” We’ve been an inseparable duo, so entering the Homecoming Court felt like a natural step. It was never about winning but it was about experiencing something together, a great opportunity to create memories in our last year of high school.
Honestly, I didn’t really expect to go far in the competition—it was just to do something fun that added a twist to our last Homecoming. I just wanted to enjoy this experience. As a proud student and athlete at Irvington, I strive to represent our school’s values—working hard, remaining positive, and always giving my best. Plus, this court campaign was not an exception. It was representing myself and the relationships I’ve built over the years, especially with Brayden by my side.
What made the experience so special was the secrecy of it, keeping everything under wraps was a challenge but also a joy, especially from friends who had no idea I was running. This Hoco week was different from my previous years since I actually felt involved in the spirit week activities. It made everything more eventful, even if it added a bit of stress.
I’d always seen Spirit Week as something fun to watch from the sidelines, but this time, I was fully engaged, decked out in school colors, and really putting myself out there. Every day had new experiences, which made everything so much more meaningful. Throughout the week, I mostly felt excitement—looking forward to events, games, and performances, despite a few setbacks like the canceled staff versus students game. But it honestly all worked out.
In the end, the campaign brought Brayden and I even closer, as success stemmed from how people viewed us as a team, even though we weren’t officially allowed to run together. Our connection helped us gain support, and I don’t have any regret about how things went. I had a lot of fun, and my closest friends were invaluable supporters throughout the process, helping us with everything we needed.I’m grateful for the memories, the laughs, and the bonds I made throughout the way.
