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?
Connie Chen: I feel pretty honored knowing that people acknowledge and appreciate my hard work. I was pretty surprised when I found out because I didn’t think very many underclassmen knew who I was. [Laughs], freshman year! Not at all! I remember seeing the Homecoming Court on stage and trying to guess who in my class would be a part of them senior year. I never guessed myself so this is a pleasant surprise.
SS: What have you enjoyed the most about Mission?
CC: I love the people here at Mission. I think people here have good intentions and are pretty understanding of one another. In general, people are very goal-oriented and hardworking so it’s really easy to relate to them. Activity-wise, my favorite would definitely be Homecoming week. It’s so nice to see everyone completely decked out in their class colors. You get to see all the talented people on stage acting, dancing, singing, etc. while their class cheers them on with undying support. Mission is a well-rounded school and we’re good at everything so it’s nice to be a part of that.
SS: When you’re not busy being a Homecoming Court Nominee, what do you enjoy doing?
CC: In my free time, I love to just sleep, eat, and watch movies. Whenever I buy a new DVD, I watch it over and over again until I find a new movie obsession. My favorite movie genre is romantic comedy and my all-time favorite movie is Pink Panther.
SS: Share one weird secret with us!
CC: When I get nervous, I crack jokes nonstop. It’s real weird! [Laughs] Sometimes they don’t even make sense but I crack up over them anyway. Last year, I tried compiling all my jokes in a joke book but sadly that was unsuccessful.
SS: Do you have a message for your voters?
CC: Thank you all so much! I am really grateful for your support.
Sarah Ching
Sarah Ching: The Homecoming Court Nominees have always been people that I’ve looked up to as an underclassman, so it was hard for me to believe that I was chosen as one of them. It was really surprising and quite flattering as well.
SS: What have you enjoyed the most about Mission?
SC: I like trying to find a balance between my academics and my school participation, which is challenging but definitely rewarding. After working hard to organize dances and other events, it’s an amazing feeling seeing them all come together in the end!
SS: When you’re not busy being a Homecoming Court Nominee, what do you enjoy doing?
SC: Well, outside of school I do a lot of dance. Hip-hop, jazz, lyrical, ballet, you name it. Other than that, I do my homework, tutor, enjoy photography, and basically love doing anything that gets me involved with my class.
SS: Share one weird secret with us!
SC: I’m really particular that people’s socks should always match. I don’t know why, they just have to!
SS: Do you have a message for your voters?
SC: Thank you so much to every single person who voted for me! I was very flattered and very touched by this, and it’s such a nice feeling to know that there are people who appreciate what you do. It makes it so worth it!
Allison Tong
Allison Tong: I was surprised when they announced the nominees because I really wasn’t expecting to be one. When I was a freshman, I never thought I would make it to senior year, let alone be nominated for homecoming court. But I guess I’ve survived! Three years go by a lot faster than you think.
SS: What have you enjoyed the most about Mission?
AT: I really like the student body here at Mission. Even though it’s a competitive environment, everyone is still super friendly and willing to help each other out.Mission students always go beyond what is expected and are always able to pull off the unthinkable, making us outshine all other schools.
SS: When you’re not busy being a Homecoming Court Nominee, what do you enjoy doing?
AT: I would have to say…sleeping and eating! Two things I can never get enough of. But I also enjoy being with my friends and just hanging out with them when I get the chance. I know my life sounds pretty boring, but if there were more hours in a day, it wouldn’t be this way!
SS: Share one weird secret with us!
AT: Hmm this is a hard one. I don’t know what to say without exposing too much of my weird side. Well, I’m extremely scared of riding in elevators by myself and have probably only done it once in my life. I’m so scared that I will take the stairs if I really have to.
SS: Do you have a message for your voters?
AT: Thank you for nominating me to be on homecoming court. I’m so flattered. Have fun during homecoming week!
Ilene Tsao
Smoke Signal: How did you feel when you were nominated? Did you imagine this during your freshman year?
Ilene Tsao: I thought it was pretty cool knowing that people voted for me, but [it was] a little embarrassing… And I was just excited to be able to ride in the carriage, because I like horses. No, I did not imagine this as I looked up to those people that were nominated but I didn’t ever really think that I would be able to be a Homecoming Court Nominee as well.
SS: What have you enjoyed the most about Mission?
IT: I just really like all the activities and stuff that occur at Mission, like Homecoming obviously is huge, and all three years so far have been a lot of fun. I really like how spirited everyone is during Homecoming Week.
SS: When you’re not busy being a Homecoming Court Nominee, what do you enjoy doing?
IT: I really enjoy playing basketball; it’s my passion, so I play on the basketball team. I also run track during the spring. I like to…I like to hang out with Connie.
SS: Would you like to share one weird secret with us?
IT: I guess a weird secret is that I really don’t like talking on the phone; I’m kind of scared of talking on the phone with people. And…I like to put syrup on my sausages.
SS: Do you have a message for your voters?
IT: Thank you, for voting for me into the Homecoming Court! I am very flattered.
Natasha Yeh
Natasha Yeh: I felt pretty honored. I’m glad the student body recognizes and hopefully appreciates my work. Not really! But since freshman year, I’ve had so much respect and admiration for the nominees because they truly did a lot forMission.
SS: What have you enjoyed the most aboutMission?
NY:Mission has its own way of motivating me to take on challenges. It’s theMission “vibe” that drives me to take on a leadership role. I also love meeting new people every year becauseMission has such a talented, amazing student body.
SS: When you’re not busy being a Homecoming Court Nominee, what do you enjoy doing?
NY: Finding new recipes to cook a littleMission guy named Nealay Vasavda. Just kidding! My life is basically consumed by my dance teams, Hungry Bumz and Hungry Kids inSan Jose. Come watch us dance; we’re so much fun!
SS: Share one weird secret with us!
NY: In sophomore year, I held a deco meeting at my house. Nealay and Haebin went snooping around and discovered my deepest, darkest secret. My Yu-gi-oh CD. Yes! I watched it all the time when I was little. Let’s d-d-d-duel.
SS: Do you have a message for your voters?
NY: Thanks for the votes! I hope my work makes you proud, just as I am proud of MSJ!
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