Homecoming court is not just a popularity contest.

Homecoming Royalty Chairperson Ali Fran said, “It is an honor to be chosen King and Queen because the voting is done by your peers, and they represent a school of 25,000 (students).

“Queen and King are not just a figure head. They serve as a good will ambassador for the university,” Fran said.

The five member women’s court includes NIU senior Anastasia Criscione, junior Teronni Johnson, sophomore Michelle Lelis, sophomore Amy Leuchtman and senior Kara Openchowski.

The five member men’s court includes NIU junior Abram Andrzejewski, senior Lavern A. Danley III, senior Robert P. Gorman, senior Tony Lopykinski and junior Michael Murray.

“The Homecoming court was chosen by a panel of eight judges who based their decision on a variety criteria,” Fran said. “Judges were picked by the royalty committee.”

The panel of judges included faculty and staff. Judges have to make a difficult choice, because everyone who applies to the Homecoming court is extremely qualified, Fran said.

“The Homecoming court has certain obligations that they need to fill,” she said.

They need to attend all the functions during Homecoming and represent the school, Fran said.

The coronation of King and Queen will take place immediately following the talent show on Thursday, Oct. 8. This year’s talent show will be hosted by comedian Henry Cho. The Homecoming parade will take place at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9.

Students can vote for Homecoming King and Queen in Cole Hall, DuSable Hall and the Holmes Student Center Pow Wow on Oct. 6, 7 and 8.