Seniors in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, Mackenzie Chase, 21, and Elaine Gerlt, 20, are two of just five candidates who are running for homecoming queen. Both students were nominated by their Greek chapters—Chase by Kappa Alpha Theta and Gerlt by Chi Omega—for their outstanding leadership skills and dedicated involvement at UCF.
This is the first time they have been selected to be on the court.
“To be chosen along with other amazing candidates was such a great honor,” said Chase. “I am so excited to take part in all the homecoming festivities and grow friendships with all the other candidates.”
Chase is a member of the Student Nurses Association (SNA) and the prestigious President’s Leadership Council. She also serves on the Morale Team for Knight-Thon, UCF’s largest student-run philanthropy.
“To me, merely being considered for queen is amazing but I would love to be given the opportunity to represent my university,” said Chase. “UCF has given me so much and being the homecoming queen is one of the best ways to show my love for the school.”
Also a member of the President’s Leadership Council, Gerlt was excited to hear that she had been nominated by her Greek chapter. “I was so honored and humbled by the nomination that there was no way I could pass up on applying for homecoming court,” she said.
Gerlt has been a member of the SNA Breakthrough to Nursing Committee, and also serves as a panel board member on the UCF Conduct Board and event director of Sigma Alpha Pi.
“I am the ideal candidate for homecoming queen because I have a passion for UCF and the high standards this community holds dear,” said Gerlt. “UCF stands for opportunity and I embody that ideal.”
The homecoming board, made up of students, chooses applicants who meet the basic requirements which include having a 3.0 GPA and being of junior, senior or graduate student standing. Applicants must be nominated by an organization or group on campus and submit a resume with their application.
Students can vote for homecoming king and queen through their myUCF portal from Oct. 19 to Oct. 22. The two individuals who are named king and queen will be announced during the halftime show of the Homecoming game on Oct. 24.