Carden, Johnson new homecoming King and Queen

Homecoming week was capped off by an exciting and eventful coronation ceremony on Saturday, February 20. At half time of the men’s basketball game against the University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos, all of the King and Queen candidates were introduced to those in attendance. Once every candidate had made their way to the center of the court, PAC co-chair Ryan Faucett was set to announce the winners. Second runners up were and Julianne Moini and. First runners up were Mary Adkinson and Daniel Brown.
The moment of truth came as the king and queen were about to be announced. Faucett announced that Brett Carden had been selected as the 2009 Homecoming King. Carden is a senior at Cameron, majoring in General Business and was representing Sigma Alpha Omega. Carden also plans to get his Masters at Cameron as well. When he is not in the classroom, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He also attends church weekly and is active in Fusion. He loves being in the outdoors and playing sports. He can often be found on his family’s ranch hunting and fishing.
Carden currently works at Farmers Insurance and Equinox Oil and Gas. Once graduated, he plans to take over Farmers Insurance.
On the topic of the actual race for the crown, Carden said it was one of the fiercest and most participated in he had ever seen. “Everyone that ran was well known around campus and part of at least one organization, if not many,” Carden said. “There was a lot of competition this year.”
Carden also said he was very surprised to hear his name called for king. “I felt that everyone who ran had a really good chance of winning and that everyone was deserving to win,” Carden said. He went on further to describe his emotions when his name was called. “ I was happy to win and represent Cameron University.”
Once the king had been announced, all eyes turned to the remaining queen candidates. Faucett then read the name of Stephanie Johnson. Johnson was representing Ebony society. She is Junior majoring in Nursing. She is originally is from Chickasha and graduated from Chickasha High School in 2005. She came straight to Cameron upon graduation. On campus, she is Vice President of the Ebony Society and is involved with Student Support Services and the Student Housing Association. When she’s not studying or participating with the organizations of which she’s involved in, she works as a Tele-counselor in Enrollment.
Johnson plans to graduate from Cameron in May with an Associates Degree in interdisciplinary studies. She plans to continue her studies in Nursing at Western Oklahoma State College. One day, she wants to get married and have a family. “Having my peers cheer for me was the best part,” Johnson.
The new King and Queen were given their sashes by the outgoing King and Queen, Bira Vidal and Sonila Abdula. Once presented with their sashes, the two were announced to the crowd at the Aggie Gym as the Homecoming royalty for 2009.
The coronation ceremony was the final event in a week filled with events. The week started off with Natalie Stovall in concert on Monday night. Tuesday night saw the Homecoming Dance and the introduction of the candidates in the Shepler Ballroom. The actual voting took place on both Wednesday and Thursday. Thursday evening saw award winning author and syndicated political columnist George Will speak in the Cameron Theatre. The Athletic Hall of Fame held their inductions ceremony on Friday evening. A bonfire was held later that night at the field house. Saturday was a day for a tailgate party and the basketball teams to take on the Bronchos of UCO. This homecoming was a part of Cameron’s on going Centennial celebration this year.