It’s an election year, but not just for your local congressman. The arrival of Homecoming weekend means, among other things, the announcement of Homecoming Court. Students can vote for Homecoming King and Queen at homecomingcourt.syr.edu, and the winner will be announced at Friday’s pep rally.

Before you vote, check out the candidates. We asked each of them to submit a statement as to why they deserve the Homecoming honor. Here’s what they had to say:

Alexandra Askew

Child and family studies and social welfare major

Since I was a little girl, I have attended SU sporting events with my family. Now that I am a student here, I go to the Carrier Dome super early, not only to make sure I get seats in the front row, but to spend time with the other fans that show up crazy early! I am very involved on campus and in the community, including being president of Native American Students at Syracuse, a member of Alpha Phi Omega and morale chair for the Pediatric AIDS Dance Marathon. I feel that my school spirit, friendly personality and commitment to this university qualify me for this position and I would be honored to be crowned 2006 Homecoming Queen.

Rebecca Daniels

Public relations and English and textual studies major

For my 17th birthday, the last present I opened was a bag of oranges and an envelope saying I had been accepted to Syracuse-the only college I applied to. I wore orange to school every day for a month and religiously watched each game of the NCAA tournament. I have fallen more in love with this campus every day. As Panhellenic Council President, a member of TriDelta, JERK Magazine and other activities, I hope to give back to SU as much as I have gained-a home full of wonderful friends and memories.

Kiana Nicole Cornish

Communication and rhetorical studies and African American studies major

Blessed. Accomplished. Unique. Sincere. Kiana Nicole Cornish is blessed to serve on Syracuse University’s Homecoming Queen Court. She has held many leadership positions, including the director of University Affairs for the Student Association where she worked in partnership with the Department of Public Safety to make campus safer for students, and is also president of the Black Communications Society in Newhouse. Kiana shared that ‘Maya Angelou said, ‘One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential.’ It took courage to get involved early on, but I eventually found my potential as a leader.’ Vote Kiana for your 2006 Homecoming Queen!

LaMonica Falkquay

Advertising major

As a leader on campus I am no stranger to representing the university’s core values. I stand for excellence in academics and am actively involved in the campus community. As a mentor and friend, I have shared my experiences in order to help others have a more memorable and successful time at SU. I’ve made it a priority to reach out to my community and have been a part of programs that effectively empower local youth. My devotion to service through leadership on campus and in the local community has shaped me to be your 2006 Homecoming Queen.

Julie Walas

Broadcast journalism and policy studies major

I am a person of passion, a person who embraces tradition, a person intrigued by people, and one who truly bleeds orange. All of these qualities would make me an excellent candidate for the Syracuse Homecoming Court. A member of the Homecoming Court should be dedicated to this university, should have spent her time here fully exploring its opportunities and should be excited to share her experiences and her knowledge of SU. I am all of these things. I love this university and I would be humbled and honored to represent you and SU as the 2006 Homecoming Queen.

Clarence Cross III

Broadcast journalism and marketing major

I have no amazing reason on why I should be Homecoming King because Homecoming isn’t about the King and Queen. It’s all about orange pride and spirit! I love Syracuse and can only hope I have exuded and incited that spirit in others. The activities and programs I’ve been a part of are insignificant without student support. If given the opportunity to be Homecoming King, not much would change, for I will bleed orange forever, with or without the crown! All I have to say is: ‘It’s all about U.’ As president of University Union, I ensure that quality activities are available for our campus.

Bryan Dumas

Broadcast journalism major

As soon as I got to SU, I knew I wanted to get the most out of my experience. I joined a number of student organizations and took leadership roles and am currently vice president of the Student Association. As VP, I am committed to working to make sure that every student’s experience here is as amazing as mine has been. I love this university. I love the people that make SU what it is. I believe it is that love and pride for this university and my commitment to making SU a better place that makes me the best candidate for Homecoming King.

Paul Hanus

Advertising major

I am privileged to attend SU, a university with such great people, so I try to give back in any way possible. I have endeavored to take initiative and work with others to benefit the SU community. My genuine interest in people helped me to serve the community in the Literacy Corps and various other community service opportunities. I have been very active in recruiting prospective students to SU as a campus tour guide, and I assist students in their job or internship searches at the Newhouse Career Center. I am the current president of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.

Dennis Jacobs

Television, radio and film major

OK, everyone here is pretty awesome and has accomplished some great things. I’ve done some fantastical things myself: brother and E-Board member of Alpha Epsilon Pi, president of University Union, founding member of Otto’s Army, host of Syrafeud, member of University 100, etc. But as your Homecoming King I will fight for what you want! No more 8 a.m. classes, free lunch on Wednesdays, unlimited SUpercard money and the triumphant collegiate return of Carmelo Anthony and Donovan McNabb. In all seriousness, I truly love Syracuse and it would be a sincere honor to be crowned your Homecoming King. Keep it kosher.

Brandon S. Mathieu

Child and family studies major

Brandon has held a variety of leadership roles throughout his college tenure, including serving as the undergraduate representative to the Division of Student Affairs Quality Council, an Orientation Leader team coordinator, recorder and assistant to the president on the Student Association and most currently, one of two undergraduate liaisons to the Board of Trustees. Homecoming celebrates SU’s deep and rich tradition and ‘brings the family back home.’ Through his sense of family tradition, school spirit and drive to embody the chancellor’s vision of Scholarship in Action by representing the full college experience at SU, Brandon hopes to gain your vote for Homecoming King!