Kylie Stracener has been elected to the ULM Homecoming Court three years in a row. Despite her popularity with the student body, Stracener said she was shocked when she was announced as ULM’s 2012 Homecoming Queen.
“I ran for court again this year because it has been so much fun in the past,” Stracener said. “Even if I wasn’t elected as queen or didn’t make the court, I still would’ve been so happy for those that did.”
Stracener is a senior mass communication major from Calhoun. She is the daughter of Peggy Stracener, and Kyle and Niki Stracener, and she is one of six children.
Stracener previously served as sophomore and junior maid, and now, as a senior, she was chosen as queen in a run-off election against fellow seniors Candice Johnson and Kelsey Williams.
The winner of the Homecoming Queen election was revealed during a social luncheon on the seventh floor of the library Monday. Amanda May, director of student life, said that this year the format for crowning the queen was changed from the past.
“This year we chose to crown the queen at the luncheon because it was a more formal event for students to attend,” said May. “We also wanted the queen to be able to participate in all of our homecoming events as Homecoming Queen.”
In the past, the queen was crowned toward the end of the week, which did not allow the student to enjoy the full week of homecoming celebration in her official role.
Stracener said that when her name was called she felt shocked, excited and honored.
“My parents were there, and my brother was my escort, so that was really special,” Stracener said.
As queen, Stracener hopes to be a leader on campus and show her love for the university.
“I’m extremely passionate for this school, and I’m a very proud Warhawk,” Stracener said. “I think that’s an important role.”
Amanda Zotzky, Stracener’s friend and sorority sister, said that no one was more fit for the title.
“She is so involved on campus, she stays dedicated to all her activities and she holds herself to high standards,” Zotzky said. “Kylie truly loves ULM.”
