Homecoming took over Bakersfield College for an entire week. Monday through Saturday there were events, activities, voting for homecoming royalty, free food, a dance and the big game.
“Homecoming brings excitement and energy. There is a lot going on including free giveaways,” said BC student Fred Ammerman.
The Student Government Association puts homecoming week together, and this year it included several attractions in the Free Speech area.
Also, homecoming was different in regard to king and queen nominations. In the past, in order to run for king and queen, students would need to be nominated by club advisers and fellow students.
“This year there are no nominations. Anyone can run as long as they meet the criteria,” said queen nominee Lauren Flores.
The requirements for running for king and queen are basic and were done this way so that all students could have a chance to run if they wanted.
“All we have to do to be able to run is be enrolled in six units, have a 2.0 GPA and 50 signatures from our classmates. I’m very happy because everyone, even I, can run,” said BC student Amelia Navarro.
During homecoming week there were many things going on in the quad area. Starting Monday the SGA held jousting contests and obstacle course races, and gave away free food and T-shirts until Thursday afternoon.
“Homecoming is always awesome because of the food and the games,” said BC student Jesus Aragon.
Some students were glad and thankful for the free food that “saved them money in their pockets,” as one BC student, Jessica Gonzales, said.
There were others who felt that the SGA should do more with informing students about homecoming week to get more involvement.
“I feel more people should participate and vote for king and queen. These things are very important when it comes to homecoming,” said BC student John Robles, who encouraged students to vote for the king and queen nominees.
There was a connection during homecoming week that many students felt with one another because they all wanted the Renegades to win the game and all were anxious to find out who would win the elections.
“I’m excited because students are very active during this week and show school spirit,” said BC student vice president Brian Rathfelder, who felt the connection and togetherness that this week brought to campus.
Homecoming was far from over Thursday afternoon – there was still a dance and the big game that everyone was looking forward to watching. On Friday at 8 p.m. there was a homecoming dance held in the BC cafeteria. This dance was free for BC students and guests were welcomed as well.
“We put this dance together all by ourselves, and we got everything ready for everyone to enjoy with the help of some of the clubs on campus,” said Monae Morrison BC student and homecoming volunteer.
Students had a great time and enjoyed themselves while dancing and eating the snacks provided, although there weren’t many students who showed up to this dance. The ones that did made sure they had a blast during the night.
Veronica Sanders, a BC student who attended the dance, said, “There is definitely great music here that keeps me moving my feet, and the cookies are delicious.”
There is always a lot of money the SGA spends to put this week together for students. This year it was no different, but the SGA is positive that there was less money spent than last year, according to Rathfelder.
Each year the SGA always looks forward to planning homecoming for BC students even with all the work it brings.
“For people it was stressful, but with a team effort we were able to pull together and get everything ready,” said Rathfelder.
Homecoming came to a close on Saturday night after the big game, which was won by the Renegades, and the king and queen winners were announced. For everyone who missed out on the games, nachos, baked potatoes, T-shirts and all the things this week brings to campus – don’t panic. Next fall the SGA will take over the campus with homecoming once again.
“I would like to encourage all students to keep cheering on their Renegades,” said Rathfelder.