When Taylor Swift sings “she floats down the aisle like a pageant queen,” she may as well be introducing the 2023-24 Brea Olinda High School Homecoming Court.
Drawing inspiration from Swift’s Eras Tour, this year’s Homecoming theme is “The Brea Era,” and as per tradition, eight girls – five seniors, one junior, one sophomore, and one freshman – were selected by their respective classes and bestowed the title of “Homecoming Princess.” Ultimately, one senior will be crowned Homecoming Queen at halftime of Friday night’s varsity football game.
Get to know this year’s Homecoming Court in the Wildcat’s Q&A with each of the Princesses.
Adeline Dang
What inspired you to run for Homecoming Court?
I fell in love with the previous princess’s performances and the overwhelming support from my friends gave me the courage to apply to be a princess.
Who are some of your role models?
My role model is definitely my mom, who has been my number one supporter throughout this process. She brings me motivation to work hard and not live with any regrets. My role models are my closest friends Eva [Zhang], Alex [Chao], and Ayla [Mailom], who lift me up everyday and keep me going this senior year. My role model is Taylor Swift’s new boyfriend, [Travis Kelce]. I aspire to be as successful at manifestation as he is.
What is your favorite Taylor Swift song and/or album?
My favorite Taylor Swift songs are “Everything Has Changed (ft. Ed Sheeran)” and “exile.” “Exile” has a special place in my heart because [during] my sophomore year, I performed a contemporary [dance] to that song, and it was the surprise song when I went to the Eras Tour.
What “era” are you in?
I’m in my College App Era because the first semester of senior year can be rough.
Monique Diaz
What inspired you to run for Homecoming Court?
I was inspired to run for Homecoming Court because I thoroughly enjoy being involved in school activities. Since I had previously been on court sophomore year as well, I remembered how much fun it was and had hoped to get the opportunity to do it again.
Who are some of your role models?
One of my biggest role models [is] my mom. She truly is one of the hardest working people I know, and she makes it her priority to be the most amazing mother. I aspire to have her resilience when I grow up, along with her innate ability to persevere through all hardships.
What is your favorite Taylor Swift song and/or album?
My favorite Taylor Swift song is “Shake it Off.” I danced to it in an elementary talent show, and since then, it has been one of my favorites.
What “era” are you in?
I would say I’m in my Growth Era. I am learning new things about myself everyday, and with that, I am growing my confidence, style, intelligence, and my ability to balance all the craziness happening around me.
Jocelyn Islas
What inspired you to run for Homecoming Court?
My inspiration was to just have a fun experience with my peers regardless of how far I got. I always strive to take advantage of opportunities that arise at any given moment and this was one I knew I would want to give a try, especially [since] I am a senior this year.
Who are some of your role models?
My biggest role models are my parents, as they have led their lives striving for success to provide the best life possible for myself and my siblings. They also continue to inspire me to be strong in my Catholic faith, which is something I plan to do the same for my future family.
What is your favorite Taylor Swift song and/or album?
My favorite Taylor Swift song is “invisible string” and my favorite album [is] either folklore or evermore. I love how well-written the songs on the album are and the way she is able to tell a story so well in a matter of minutes.
What “era” are you in?
Currently, I am in my Tennis Era as our sport is in season and [we] have been putting in a lot of hours practicing. The hours are well worth it, though, as our team has become such a supportive, tightknit group.
Kristin Kim
What inspired you to run for Homecoming Court?
Running for Homecoming Court intrigued me because of all the fun activities I’d be able to participate in. I decided to run and give it my all throughout the application process as it was my final opportunity in high school to do so. I was inspired by the concept that being nominated isn’t simply a luck-of-the-draw, but rather my peers intentionally selected those who they see fit as role models.
Who are some of your role models?
My biggest role models are my parents. My parents have worked – and continue to work – extremely hard every single day to provide me with the opportunities I have.
What is your favorite Taylor Swift song and/or album?
My favorite Taylor Swift song is “You Belong With Me (Taylor’s Version)” because of the nostalgia and memories connected to the lyrics and melody. I have a completely different interpretation of the song’s meaning now compared to when I was younger, but the song is still super fun to scream.
What “era” are you in?
I’m in my Enjoy It While it Lasts era.
Roma Patel
What inspired you to run for Homecoming Court?
Through my time at BOHS, the Homecoming Court process has stood out as a memorable and exciting opportunity; in particular, seeing my friends last year performing at the rally, walking in the Homecoming parade, and being a part of the crowning ceremony at halftime was a special experience for them, and something I hoped to be a part of for my senior year.
Who are some of your role models?
Some of my role models are my teammates, my parents, and my friends. I surround myself with such an uplifting and hardworking group of people who push me to be the best version of myself.
Also, Rihanna because she’s a baddie.
What is your favorite Taylor Swift song and/or album?
My favorite Taylor Swift song is “willow” because it’s so serene and I love the lyrics.
What “era” are you in?
I’m in my Retail Therapy Era.
Brianna Casiple, junior
What inspired you to run for Homecoming Court?
I decided to run for Homecoming Court because I thought it was a good bucket list activity and it would add to my high school experience.
Who are some of your role models?
Some of my role models are my parents and coaches because they are always looking out for me.
What is your favorite Taylor Swift song and/or album?
My favorite Taylor Swift song is “cowboy like me,” and my favorite album is evermore.
What “era” are you in?
The “era” that I would say I am in right now is my Broke Girl Era.
Siwon Bae, sophomore
What inspired you to run for Homecoming Court?
I decided to apply for Homecoming Court because I wanted to make fun memories in high school.
Who are some of your role models?
My role models are Stephen Curry and my mother. My mother shaped me as a better human being, and Stephen Curry helped me improve my shooting form, and also as an athlete.
What is your favorite Taylor Swift song and/or album?
Although I do not listen to Taylor Swift a lot, my favorite Taylor Swift songs are “Anti-Hero” and “Cruel Summer.”
What “era” are you in?
I would say I’m in my AP Euro Era.
Hannah Moon, freshman
What inspired you to run for Homecoming Court?
I decided to run for Homecoming Court for the experience and to create new opportunities with my friends.
Who are some of your role models?
My role models consist of Leigh Bardugo, my mother, [my] father and my friends. Leigh Bardugo is my favorite writer and she inspires me to write better and learn more. Both [of] my parents are very hardworking and they inspire me to continuously work on myself and be a better person. I’ve also realized how my friends can be such good influences on me, [and] I hope to be someone others can look up to as well.
What is your favorite Taylor Swift song and/or album?
My favorite Taylor Swift song is either “Cornelia Street” from her Lover album, or “Getaway Car” from her Reputation album.
What “era” are you in?
I’m in a New Era of my life right now since I just started high school and I’ll be experiencing many new things and meeting new people.
Homecoming Week kicked off on Monday with themed dress-up days and lunchtime activities. The “Eras”-themed festivities continue throughout the week, culminating with a rally on Friday morning, a varsity football game against Canyon High School on Friday evening, and the dance, which will take place on Oct. 7 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the ARTIC in Anaheim.
