As clubs prepare for the final push toward homecoming, and families and alumni make plans to return to Oklahoma Christian University, six students were elected to represent their classes during homecoming weekend. The senior class homecoming king and queen will be announced at halftime of the men’s basketball game on Nov. 7. The Talon asked each representative to share experiences, stories and hopes for their role.
River Bristow-Hanna
Class: Freshman
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Poulsbo, Washington
What are you most looking forward to during homecoming week?
“I’ve never been to a homecoming here at Oklahoma Christian, so I’m honestly so excited to see what it’s like. The freshman class has been working really hard on building our structure and I’m so excited to see how ours and all the other clubs’ structures turn out,” Bristow-Hanna said.
What do you hope to represent for your class this year?
“I hope to represent the excitement and unity of our freshman class. We all come from different backgrounds, but we’re learning to come together and make the most of this new experience. It’s been so exciting getting to know everyone and being surrounded by such an amazing group of people. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish as a class this year,” Bristow-Hanna said.
Kyler Gurkowski
Class: Freshman
Major: Marketing
Hometown: Norman, Oklahoma
How did you feel when you found out you were voted a homecoming class representative?
“If I am being completely honest, I didn’t have any clue that I was going to be in the running and I was even more surprised when I won. I feel extremely honored and loved to be voted homecoming rep and I am just grateful to have such a wonderful freshman class supporting me,” Gurkowski said.
Why do you think your classmates chose you?
“I’m not entirely sure why my classmates chose to vote for me, but I hope it’s because of my values and the man I strive to become. I love being a positive, friendly face on campus and making the most of every opportunity to enjoy life to the fullest. More than anything, though, I want my love for the Lord to shine through in the way I live so I can be a light to those around me,” Gurkowski said.
HaylieJo Roberts
Class: Sophomore
Major: Family Science/Human Development and Vocational Ministry
Hometown: Parker, Colorado
What is your favorite homecoming memory or tradition so far?
“My favorite memory from last year’s homecoming was the parade! It was so awesome being able to see our float all assembled, and seeing the vision come true was the best feeling. I loved walking around to the music, giving out candy and getting to wave to and run over to people I knew,” Roberts said.
What do you hope to represent for your class this year?
“Being one of my class’ homecoming representatives, I hope to show my love for Oklahoma Christian, for my classmates, and my enthusiasm as being voted in by my peers. The people in my class are a huge reason why Oklahoma Christian is so special to me, and I love knowing that I have so many awesome people in my life who support me and who I can show support for,” Roberts said.
Cohen Coffman
Class: Sophomore
Major: Sports Management
Hometown: Chickasha, Oklahoma
What’s something about you that most people on campus don’t know?
“I have a twin sister that is already married,” Coffman said.
Who has had the biggest influence on you since coming to Oklahoma Christian?
“My biggest influence at Oklahoma Christian for me has been Jackson Ortiz. He’s a super humble and great guy and it’s hard not to look up to him,” Coffman said.
Hailey Long
Class: Junior
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Houston, Texas
What is your favorite homecoming memory or tradition so far?
“My favorite homecoming memory is spending the night with the girls the night before homecoming day. We stayed up late and woke up super early, but it was all worth it for the memories we made,” Long said.
What are you most looking forward to during homecoming week?
“I’m most looking forward to the community returning to campus to experience the structures and activities created for them, revisit old memories and make new ones,” Long said.
Santiago Torres Moreno
Class: Junior
Major: Bible
Hometown: Colombia
How did you feel when you found out you were voted a homecoming class representative?
“I felt very happy and honored. I’m especially thankful to Chi Lambda Phi for choosing me to represent my class. It means a lot to me that they believed in me and gave me this opportunity. I’m excited to be part of this experience and represent Chi,” Torres Moreno said.
Who has had the biggest influence on you since coming to Oklahoma Christian?
“It’s hard to choose just one person because several people have had a big influence on my life. Neil Arter, Brian Plumb, and Scott Young have each helped me grow in different ways. Chi Lambda Phi has also had a big impact on me by giving me a sense of brotherhood, friendship, and belonging. I’m thankful for all of them and for the ways they have helped me grow as a person and in my faith,” Torres Moreno said.
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