My entire high school career I wanted to be on Homecoming Court. I remember sitting in my desk thinking if my name were ever announced, it would be the happiest day of my life.

My freshman year of high school I got colitis at the beginning of the week and was unable to make it to any of the activities or homecoming itself. I was devastated; I had waited for what seemed like forever for a school dance.

My sophomore year rolled around and I finally got to participate. My friends and I bid on chick-fil-A at the senior lunch auction. We got to skip eating in the cafeteria for an opportunity to eat a catered lunch with a senior on dance line. I thought it was so cool, but I unfortunately went a little overboard, spending money I didn’t have thinking my parents would give it to me. I got dressed up for Friday night in one of the nicest dresses I think I have ever owned. It was a black one-shoulder dress with petals at the bottom from BCBG. I felt beautiful. I got my makeup and hair professionally done and we all planned a fun girl’s dinner. I remember the restaurant being almost as fun as the dance. Our hostess was another girl’s mom and she took so many pictures of us at the restaurant on the lake. The owner of the restaurant didn’t want our heels to get dirty so he gave us a ride to the door on his lawnmower. I know that’s not exactly what people think of when they think fancy dance and dinner, but we were just kids having fun.

Junior year my best friend got on homecoming court and I got to help her get ready. I was so proud of her and my other friend, who was the senior representative. The senior representative actually was announced Homecoming queen and I got to go on the field and take a picture with her; it was a wonderful night. But, nothing would ever compare to senior year homecoming.

We were in my English class when the initial votes came back of the top six people, who would need to be narrowed down to three. My name was one of the six. I thought about how long I had wanted this, but I’m sure every girl wanted it equally as bad. The Friday the week before the game we all walked into the gymnasium for the football players to present the nominees with a bouquet of roses. My heart was pounding. I saw my friend, who was one of the six finalists, boyfriend with a bouquet of roses in his hand. I knew she had gotten it. The first name called was Maggie Greene. The boyfriend got up and walked to the center for the second name and that’s when they called my name. I thought I was going to start crying. I was shaking so profusely, he asked if something was wrong. “No, I’m just so happy,” I said.

My mom and I went to the store that weekend to get a homecoming court dress. She took me to one of the fanciest stores in Albany. I couldn’t believe I was getting to do this with not only one, but two of my best friends. We all got ready together that Friday night and went to the football game. I took pictures with everyone and then it was time for the presentation. My friend Nasser was my driver. He could see I was once again shaking, so he turned on Taylor Swift to help me calm down. I smiled and waved, and I remember thinking to myself that it didn’t matter if I won or lost this was the happiest moment of my life.

My dad walked me onto the field, and I felt like he had never been prouder. My best friend Ansley won, but like I said it didn’t matter. I still hold that memory as one of the best I’ve ever had and I cherish it. Having your peers select you as someone they want to represent their class is an honor in my eyes. To all the ladies at BHS, I hope you cherish your time on the field Friday night and know how special you all are.