By Jacob Brown, Editor-In-Chief
Newman will celebrate homecoming in the fall this year rather than in the spring. Instead of in February, it will happen in a couple of weeks with activities scheduled for Oct. 9-10.
That means that Newman also must choose a homecoming king and queen sooner than usual. The school recently solicited nominations for homecoming royalty, and voting is right around the corner. It starts on Monday and ends at noon on Oct. 2.
Students will be able to vote using a QR code that will be found on a flyer that will be put out soon. They can also use this link: https://newmanu.wufoo.com/forms/ssldlj0ikk0v5/
Here are the nominees for 2026 homecoming queen:
- Avery Kelly, a biology/pre-PA major from Derby and a member of the volleyball team
- Anna Lobmeyer, a biology major from Garden City and a member of the women’s cross country team.
- Josie Weers, a nursing major from LeRoy who is a member of the volleyball team
- Kylie Real, an elementary education major from Wichita and a member of the cheer and dance team
- Melissa Arguijo. a nursing major from Wichita and Newman’s Student Government Association President
- Isabella Callaba, a biology major from Lake Charles, Louisiana, and a member of the women’s golf team
Here are the six king candidates:
- Kelly Lotsu-Morgan, a computer science major from Ghana and the Coding Club president
- Bryce Kegley, a nursing major from Pryor, Oklahoma, and part of the wrestling team.
- Deqlan Mitchell, a sports media and promotion major from Zebulon, North Carolina, and part of the men’s bowling team
- Timothy Kiprotich, a nursing major from Eldoret, Kenya, and part of men’s cross country team
- CJ Best, a finance major who is a member of the men’s golf team
- Erik Tomanek, a business management major and member of the wrestling team
The new king and queen will be crowned before a 1 p.m. volleyball game, where the Jets will face Washburn University, on Oct. 10 in Fugate Gymnasium. Homecoming weekend also will include a mass, tailgating, a Sloppy Joes performance, a pig roast and a concert by a local band. Check The Vantage next week for a full schedule.
PHOTO: Newman University, courtesy
