Some may not remember, some may not know, and honestly some may want to forget, but back in the Fall of 1998 (my Senior year in high school) I was crowned Homecoming King! Yeah, you heard that right. It really was an amazing moment in my life. From my freshman to senior year, I had actually been nominated and voted by my peers to be on the homecoming court each year in high school along with other classmates. However, senior year, there could only be one King and one Queen, so one can imagine how excited I was.
I recall sitting in my first period class just before it was about to start. It was the Monday following that special Friday night of being voted Homecoming King. I was sitting next to a friend I had known since Kindergarten and I was thinking about how thankful I was to be HOMECOMING KING. I mentioned to my friend that I actually couldn't believe I was voted Homecoming King. I mean, I was running up against some significant competition to include the Senior Class President. I honestly thought that I didn't have a chance in the world to be king, so I was just thankful to be on the court! My friend turned to me and said, "You were voted to be on the homecoming court every year, there is no way we could let you down now!" I was very appreciative for those words of support. It made me feel good to be "liked" among my peers just as I suppose anyone else would feel. I truly was honored and overwhelmed. What a way to begin my last year in high school! My peers voting me as
someone they considered would represent their graduating class through the homecoming court.
One funny thing to note about Homecoming King and the homecoming court is a conversation I had with someone in my Senior English Class period one day. Voting was going to be taking place soon and I was completing a group assignment in class. I turned to one my classmates and asked if they would be voting for the homecoming court. This person turned to me and said, "No way." I thought to myself, "What an odd response. Wonder why." So, like most people, I asked "Why?" This person responded, "Homecoming court is a silly popularity contest and I really don't desire to be a part of that." I couldn't believe my ears! A "silly popularity contest?" Even more shocking is this person actually said this to me, who, need I remind you, was already nominated for the homecoming court. I thought this was very bold of the person to share this with me since they knew who I was. However, I also respected this person for speaking the truth even when it wasn't "popular".
So aside from that moment in Senior English class (just kidding actually), I really had "the time of my life" that year. Being voted Homecoming King however was just the start of my senior year. I experienced a lot of great memories and was appreciate for all of the friends I had met and had been part of my life. My senior year didn't let up one bit. Even at the end of the year, my peers recognized me in a way that was very special: SENIOR SUPERLATIVES! Now some may say this is a joke, but I really took this seriously. I valued what my peers thought of me. I didn't try to be popular, I just happened to get along with most people. I enjoyed life and spending time with people. Although I valued what my peers thought of me and yes, I wanted people to "like" me, I did not succumb to peer pressure to obtain the attention of my peers. I actually was the opposite. The more peer pressure the less I would ever do something. If I did anything, it was because I wanted to, not because someone else wanted me to! Anyway, I digress - so my peers recognized me via Senior Superlatives. Anyone guess what I was recognized for? Anyone? Anyone? OK, I guess nobody cares, so let me tell you anyway!
I was recognized as "Friendliest", "Happiest to be Alive", and "Most Fun". Out of all males and females in my senior class, I was actually the only student to be nominated for three senior superlatives! To me that was very special since I always tried to be friendly, happy, and fun (or "funny"). Now the "Most Fun" superlative is an interesting one. I actually tied with someone else for this category. Several people laughed about this to me at the time because me and the other person were two different types of fun. So between me and the other person, "fun" was covered! Nonetheless, my peers came through yet again. They made my day and my year. I felt so special that I had made an impact on people's lives in a special way and that these same people felt I was something special too!
Looking back on these moments, I am very grateful for the people God has placed in my life. Each person is a special creation of God and I am blessed to have each one part of my life (even the person in my Senior English class) . When I think of the friends I had (and still have), my mind goes to Proverbs 18:24 - "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." This is so true. I am thankful to have experienced this first hand!
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