Homecoming Court Nominees: Guys

By: Brandon Fuhs, Jaynelle Gao, Anjali Kanthilal,  Jade Shi, & Sonali Toppur

Smoke Signal: How did you feel when you were nominated? Did you imagine this during your freshman year?

Justin Chew: Freshman year, I would’ve never thought I would’ve been voted Homecoming King, because when I was a freshman, looking up at them, they looked like idols, but I don’t see that in myself, so it’s kind of strange.

SS: What have you enjoyed the most about Mission?

JC: I think the people I’ve met for the last four years have really shaped my life, and I think those are the most influential people I’ve had in my life. They’re really special.

SS: When you’re not busy being a Homecoming Court Nominee, what do you enjoy doing?

JC: Well, besides that, I work in the Student Store practically every day, during lunch and after school. And if not that, I’m at Council during Wednesdays at lunch. I pretty much always have something to do, because I like to keep myself busy.

SS: Would you like to share one weird secret with us?

JC: I know how to spin pillows—square pillows, on my finger…like a circus person.

SS: Do you have a message for your voters?

JC: Choose who you think deserves to be Homecoming King or Queen.

 

William Leu                                    

Smoke Signal: How did you feel when you were nominated? Did you imagine this during your freshman year?

William Leu:  I felt pretty juiced when I heard my name over the PA system! Everyone in my 6th period Karmali class turned to the corner I was sitting in and were like, “WILL?!” Man, I never imagined being nominated my freshman year. I just remembered seeing the homecoming court at the homecoming games looking all fancy and I thought that it’d be appropriate if I got nominated, but I never thought it would have happened!

SS: What have you enjoyed the most about Mission?

WL: At Mission, I’ve enjoyed all our different activities and various opportunities we have to get involved with the school. Our Friday Activities (A-team swag!) and dances are all super fun and exciting, and there are different school organizations that are a good way to do something you like. However, Homecoming has definitely been the most memorable experience in all four years in high school, with all the spirit, cheering, and dancing going on.

SS: When you’re not busy being a Homecoming Court Nominee, what do you enjoy doing?

WL: I’m in the MSJ marching band (b4nd 4 lyf3!) and I swim for the school team. I also really enjoy playing ping pong at my house or other peoples’ houses and dancing to music when I am driving in my car.

SS: Share one weird secret with us!

WL: I think that the floor is an extremely comfortable place to sleep at night even though I have a bed. It may also be that I’m too lazy to shower at night and my mom doesn’t allow people on the bed if they haven’t showered…but I just sleep on the floor and shower in the morning. Oh, and I think I also sucked my thumb until I was in like the 4th grade…

SS: Do you have a message for your voters?

WL: Thanks to everyone who voted me onto homecoming court! Everyone on court has worked countless amounts of hours to get where they are and have contributed a lot to the school, so vote for whoever you think deserves it the most. Stay in school and have a good year!

 

             Nealay Vasavda

Smoke Signal: How did you feel when you were nominated?  Did you imagine this during your freshman year?

Nealay Vasavda: I was actually quite honored.  I’d been running on few hours of sleep and I remember sitting in my seat during 6^th period just wanting to go home and take a nap.  When I heard my name over the intercom, it came as a pleasant surprise and kind of woke me up.  I definitely never would have thought that I’d be a Homecoming King nominee when I was a freshman.

SS: What have you enjoyed the most about Mission?

NV: It really bothers me when people talk about how they would much rather be going to another high school.  I know I definitely would not be the person I am today without the opportunities and experiences that MSJ has presented me with.  From blood drives to fashion shows, from Multicultural week to a Homecoming unlike any other, and so many more events, Mission has created what I see as a near-perfect high school experience.

SS: When you’re not busy being a Homecoming Court Nominee, what do you enjoy doing?

NV: People often think I’m crazy when I tell them this, but I absolutely adore running.  I decided to go out for the cross country and track teams during my freshman year with a few friends and because my brother was varsity captain of both teams at the time.  When I’m on a run, it’s just me and the road ahead of me.  Nothing else matters.  I’ve stuck with the teams and am currently running my 4^th year as part of the cross country team and plan on running track in the spring.

SS: Share one weird secret with us!

NV: I once had a dream that I was a Firebender.  It was the night before the 2-hour season finale of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and well… I was obsessed.

SS: Do you have a message for your voters?

NV: It’s been an honor to have been nominated for Homecoming King.  I’m thankful to those of you who have seen the work that all of the candidates have put into this school and voted for us.

 

Kyle Chen             

 

        Willson Zhang

Smoke Signal: How did you feel when you were nominated? Did you imagine this during your freshman year?

Willson Zhang: I was very surprised actually, I never thought someone like me would be nominated, for anything at our school! [Laughs], I thought if I were to win anything during my high school years, it would have been “loudest student” or “teachers’ worst nightmare” for our yearbook.

SS: What have you enjoyed the most about Mission?

WZ: I love the amount of homework the teachers give us, because it makes me want to come to school more! Just kidding, I always enjoy participating in homecoming, and eating lots of food during multi-cultural week.

SS: When you’re not busy being a Homecoming Court Nominee, what do you enjoy doing?

WZ: I generally do a whole bunch of nothing, but in my free time I like playing poker against some of the best—we have some poker sharks in this school—and spending quality time with Clarissa.

SS: Share one weird secret with us!

WZ: I’m really, really good at spittin’ rhymes. Shabooya.

SS: Do you have a message for your voters?

WZ: If you vote for me, I will make your wildest dreams come true. [wink]