Seven finalists kick off efforts

Several candidates for Homecoming Court honored University Day by campaigning in the Pit for votes to become the next Homecoming King and Queen.

The Carolina Athletic Association announced Sunday the seven finalists for Homecoming Court. Eleven students went through interviews and created a community service project to get their names on the ballot.

The final seven now have until Oct. 26 to communicate their goals with their fellow students.

"It is up to the candidates to meet people on campus and make sure their presence is known so the student body can learn about them," said Rachel High, vice chairwoman of the Homecoming selection committee.

T.J. Abrams of the Black Student Movement said his project, "Speak Up, Speak Out," focuses on raising awareness and activism about relationship violence.

Abrams said he plans to work with organizations such as the Orange County Rape Crisis Center and the White Ribbon Campaign, a male group that works to end relationship violence.

"My goal is to get people talking about and taking an active stance on relationship violence," he said.

Rick Seibold, a representative of Victory Campus Ministries, said he plans to pair students with patients at the N.C. Children's Hospital. Seibold, a member of the wrestling team, said he would organize activities for children such as trips to games or restaurants.

"We just want to do something that will make their visit to UNC a little brighter," he said.

Fernando Soto, president of the Carolina Hispanic Association, said his goal is to represent the organizations in which he participates. "This campaign isn't just for me," he said.

His service project includes a weeklong campaign to raise funds for hurricane relief, money he said is needed in light of the recent storms.

Gahmya Drummond-Bey, a representative of Concept of Colors, said her project, "Carolina College Connection," would work in conjunction with the Methodist Children's Homes in North Carolina. She plans to sponsor a luncheon and a cultural show to raise money for scholarships.

"My project is important because it is what the University has strived to identify itself with in that it seeks to encourage the advancement of individuals regardless of background," she said.

Rhonda Foxx, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, said she is dedicated to unifying the student body. Her service project, "Spring Fling: A Semester of Service," focuses on four issues: mentoring, racial awareness, health and community service.

"I am confident in my ability to represent the student body in a professional manner while having fun," she said.

Conitras Houston, who also represents the BSM, said her service project, "Stand Up: Exercise to Your Health," strives to raise awareness about diabetes.

"UNC's Homecoming Queen needs to have passion for others, not just herself," she said.

Houston, who lost her grandmother to diabetes, said raising awareness about the illness is one of her passions. Her project includes a 5-kilometer Walkathon, the proceeds of which would go to the UNC Diabetes Care Center.

Yesenia Polanco, a representative of CHispA, said she plans to focus on relief for the homeless as well as hurricane victims in the Chapel Hill area.

Her project, "We Won Our Neighbors," will sponsor a benefit concert in late February to raise money for the cause. Polanco said she plans to follow through with her project, regardless of whether she is elected.

Students can attend a meet-and-greet Oct. 25 where they can interact with the candidates and listen to campaign platforms.

Students can cast their votes for Homecoming Court on Oct. 26. The results will be announced during halftime of the Oct. 30 Homecoming football game against Miami.

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.