Homecoming - Royalty

Knowing that I’m part of a campus family dedicated to student success, and being able to contribute by getting involved.   I aim to represent the student body with dignity, excellence, and commitment.    

Being a Penguin represents how much I’ve grown since being here. Youngstown State has pushed me to work harder, step outside of my comfort zone, and stay focused on what I want for my future. I’m proud to be part of a community where I can learn, meet different people, and continue growing both academically and personally. Being a Penguin reminds me that I’m working toward something bigger for myself, and that makes me proud. If I were selected as Homecoming Royalty, I would represent the student body by being someone who is approachable, positive, and involved. I would want students to feel like they can come to me, talk to me, and feel heard. I would represent YSU by showing school spirit, supporting different organizations and events, and encouraging students to get involved and make the most of their college experience.   

What makes me most proud to be a Youngstown State Penguin is the sense of tradition and family that comes with being part of YSU. My grandparents and my mom all attended Youngstown State, and now my little sister has started her own Penguin journey here as well. It means so much to continue my family’s tradition while creating my own memories and making an impact on campus through my involvement and leadership. Being a Penguin is more than just being a student but rather being part of a legacy that I’m incredibly proud to carry on with my family.     If selected as Homecoming Royalty, I would represent the student body by being a positive and enthusiastic presence on campus and making an effort to connect with students from all different backgrounds and experiences. I would want to represent the many reasons students choose YSU and the pride we all share in being Penguins. I would also use the opportunity to encourage students to get involved, make connections, and take advantage of everything YSU has to offer. To me, being Homecoming Royalty would be about representing the students and the university with pride and kindness.       

I’m proud to be a Penguin because of all the opportunities YSU has given me, along with a great education and so many great memories. I’ve gotten involved in so many things, work on campus, continue my education, make lifetime connections, and work toward goals I’ve had for myself. I’ve also met so many amazing people along the way who have supported me and made my time at YSU even better. If selected as Homecoming Royalty, I would represent the many different experiences that make up YSU’s student body. As a commuter, civil engineering student, student worker, and someone involved in organizations like Penguin Productions and ASCE, I have had the opportunity to connect with many different parts of campus. I would represent YSU by showing school spirit, supporting other students and organizations, and encouraging students to get involved and find their place on campus. 

What makes me proud to be a Penguin is the sense of community at Youngstown State University. YSU has given me opportunities to grow not only as a student, but also as a leader and as a person. I’m proud to be part of a university where students, faculty, and staff genuinely support one another. Being a Penguin means representing the values of hard work, perseverance, and community, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to the campus that has given me so much. If selected for Homecoming Royalty, I would represent the student body by being someone who is approachable, involved, and willing to listen. I would want students to feel that their voice matters and that they have someone representing them who genuinely cares about their experience at YSU. I would also use the opportunity to celebrate the diversity, accomplishments, and school spirit that make our student body unique. Most importantly, I would represent YSU with pride and humility, while encouraging other students to get involved and make the most of their time as Penguins. 

Having been involved in 2 colleges on campus and many organizations ranging from honors societies and sports to student government and Greek Life, I have had the opportunity to see how passionate YSU students are, even though they come from many different backgrounds. Being a passionate Penguin is something special, but being part of a rookery of passionate Penguins is what makes me proud.     No matter where you go, you can always tell when there is another Penguin in the room. I've seen this at away tailgates, in airports, and even randomly across the country. Penguins also are my favorite animal, and red is my favorite color, both definitely help.  If I were chosen as Homecoming Royalty, I would lead by example by actively representing the many different communities that make YSU special. I would attend more events and continue expanding my horizons by learning about the traditions and experiences of different student groups. I would represent YSU with enthusiasm, pride, and love throughout Homecoming and every day after it. Finally, I'll go to games as usual, but... maybe painted red for the rest of the season. 

I am proud to be a Penguin because it gave me a chance to find myself as a young man and has given me opportunities that I will carry into my life post-graduation.  The student body would have my 100% commitment to represent them as a whole.   

Being a Penguin has always felt like more than simply attending a university, it feels like being exactly where God intended me to be. Both of my parents are YSU graduates, and my dad even returned to earn his master’s degree. Growing up, I spent countless Saturdays coming to games and cheering on the Penguins, but I always found myself watching the Marching Pride and especially the Penguinettes. I never imagined that years later, I would have the opportunity to become one myself. Over the past four years as a Penguinette, and now as a senior captain, I have experienced some of the most meaningful moments of my life. I came to YSU expecting to earn a degree and make friends, but God gave me so much more. I found a second family, lifelong friendships, and a place where I have been able to grow both personally and professionally. If selected as Homecoming Royalty, I would represent the student body by being someone who is approachable, involved, and genuinely invested in the YSU community.  I would be proud to represent a student body that has given me so many memories and would use the opportunity to help make others feel just as proud to call themselves Penguins. 

Being a Penguin means being part of something bigger than yourself, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to grow, lead, and make memories along the way.   As someone who is actively involved in student organizations and campus life, she understands how important it is for students to feel connected to their university. Sabrina would be proud to represent the Penguin community with school spirit, kindness, and pride while encouraging others to get involved and make the most of their YSU experience.    

The connection between students and staff on campus is what I believe separates a YSU from any of the other schools.   I would show the community around us and incoming students what it truly means to be a penguin. 

YSU is a place that treats not only members as family, but strangers as well. The effort this administration has put into community engagement and student support is the reason I’m proud to call YSU home, and will forever be a penguin. I want to make sure members of each college, background, and status are represented. I feel I’m well equipped to be a candidate in this position, as I’ve placed myself in organizations that span across different area of campus. While all of these organizations are unique, they all have a goal of actively doing something good. I want to bring these students together to spread awareness across campus for those with similar interests. 

I'm proud to be a penguin because I am able to better my future, pursue unique opportunities, and meet some fantastic people.   I've been a part of the Youngstown Community my whole life, so I feel like I can relate to a good portion of the student body.   

Being a part of a group of students that want to improve themselves each and every day and helping others to grow and achieve their goals is what makes me proud to be a Penguin! I would represent the student body in my role of Homecoming Royalty with pride, respect, and honor. I would ensure that I represent the ideals and virtues of YSU and maintain the significant honor and history of the homecoming traditions. 

As an Orientation Leader, I have grown to absolutely love my campus and everything that Youngstown State University represents. One of the things I love most about YSU is how welcoming and open the campus community is.  I love that you can see the "Y" on someone's shirt anywhere, and people immediately know it represents YSU. There is a sense of community surrounding YSU that is filled with so much love and pride, and I truly cannot image my like without being a Penguin. If selected as Homecoming Royalty, I would represent the student body by being someone who makes every student feel seen, welcomed, and proud to be a Penguin. I believe being a representative of YSU is more than having a title. It's about listening to students, supporting them and showing them the same sense of community that made me fall in love with this university. Through my involvement in the Panhellenic Council and Delta Zeta, including serving in leadership and communication roles, I have learned how important it is to listen to others, work as a team, and create an environment where everyone feels included. Whether I am welcoming a new Penguin, supporting a student organization, attending a campus event, or simply talking with another student, I would represent YSU with kindness, school spirit, and pride. I would be honored to represent a student body that has given me so much and to show others why being a Penguin is something to be proud of.    

What makes me proud to be a Penguin is the sense of community at Youngstown State University. Throughout my time at YSU, I have had opportunities to grow not only as a student, but also as a future educator and leader. Doing orientation for 2 years has taught me what being a good leader means. If selected as Homecoming Royalty, I would represent the student body by being someone who is approachable.  Through my involvement at YSU, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with many different students, and those experiences have taught me the importance of listening to others and making people feel included. 

I am proud to be a penguin because of the community and opportunities that YSU has provided for me. Becoming a penguin was not my first choice, but my best choice. Being a penguin has taught me so much more than just getting a degree. It taught me to get out of my comfort zone, it is okay to express myself, and to treat everyone with kindness. I would represent the student body by bringing awareness to how important mental health is when it comes to college. I would do my best to bring everyone together and create a more positive campus life. I would also like to bring more positivity to Greek life on campus and explain how it is different than other colleges. 

What makes me proud to be a penguin is how well the penguins "huddle" together to help each other out, no matter the situation. I am very proud to be a part of such a supportive and inclusive community. If selected as Homecoming Royalty, I would represent the student body by being an active member of the campus community while also being very welcoming and positive. Over the past three years here on campus, I have interacted with many students from all walks of life through organizations, as an orientation leader, in nursing school, and so much more. I understand the need to be inclusive and to be a friendly face to all, and I will do that. This university has done so much for me, both academically and personally, so I feel it is only right to make a positive impact and to guide others, just as I was guided. I would be very proud to represent the YSU Penguins as Homecoming Royalty. 

The thing that makes me proud to be a penguin is the comfort in the school. It is such a tight knit community and school. Campus life could make someone feel alive. I am also eternally grateful to the school and professors that have helped pave the way for me to have an amazing education and experience.   I would represent the student body by showing other students that even if you are in an extremely time-consuming major such as nursing, you could still do fun things and engage in campus life. There also has not been a representative for the Student nurses Association to run for royalty in many years, so I would love to bring this back into the major and represent the Nursing department. 

What makes me proud to be a penguin is the atmosphere of the campus and the overall commitment my fellow peers have to getting their education. I would represent YSU's student body by being a dependable outgoing peer that has put work and dedication into my education and self-image 

Seeing fellow Penguins inspired by what happens on campus has shaped my own journey. These four years are monumental in discovering who you are, and YSU has given me the chance to explore so many opportunities, the same ones every Penguin gets to discover for themselves. I am someone who would give everything I have to ensure the happiness and accessibility of others. I want to support all penguins through my numerous organizations and ensure we are put first always.   

What makes me a proud Penguin is that I love our community's warmth and spirit. It is so inviting and fun. I would represent the student body by showing others that love and understanding are the way to go, and hatred doesn't get you anywhere. We need to be inclusive and understanding as best as we can be. If we make mistakes, then it's okay. We are not perfect. We are all beautiful in God's creation.   

What makes me most proud to be a Penguin is the way my fellow students take care of each other and are always willing to lend a helping hand. I am involved in a few different organizations across campus, and I have seen great leadership and energetic members in all of them. The leaders and members of these organizations truly strive to make a difference in the local community and campus, which is extremely admirable to me. Despite the low visibility, engagement from students, and funding, these organizations often face; the Penguins here continue to persevere, create change, and inspire others to do the same.  If I were selected, I would represent the student body by advocating for increased support and participation within the student organizations here on campus. I wholeheartedly believe that getting involved, meeting new people, and testing your personal boundaries by trying new things are the keys to a fulfilling college career. I am certain I would not have grown as much as a person, student, or even leader, if I did not branch out my freshman year and get involved. I will always be grateful to YSU for providing myself and all their students with a warm and welcoming environment that fosters growth, exploration, and self-discovery. Because of this I will always do my very best to take care of campus, and the Youngstown community.   

I am proud to be a penguin because of the people I meet.   I would represent the student body as a hardworking person.

Being a Penguin means sticking with your family no matter what. Whatever the weather may be or no matter how difficult the task, Penguins stay true to the people who care about them the most and that is something that any student at YSU can truly be proud of. If selected as Homecoming Royalty, the best way I can represent the student body is simply being myself to show that here at YSU, students don't have to reshape themselves or become someone they are not. I can guarantee all that I display to the student body is who I am, and I know someone who will shy away from my true self. 

I am proud to be a Penguin because this campus treats you far beyond just a statistic - the environment is intentionally crafted to provide us with the resources and opportunities necessary for students to thrive during their studies, and even beyond. This university invests in hiring professional staff members that are passionate about education and mentorship, which translates into a supportive and engaging community for all. If selected as Homecoming Royalty, I promise to use this opportunity to elevate those who feel overlooked or underestimated - those who balance so much behind-the-scenes just to keep up with the everyday demands of being a college student. I hope to serve as an approachable figure who shows other students that whether they have 10% or 100% effort to give on any given day, every contribution matters. 

I am proud to be a Penguin because of the genuine sense of community and belonging that YSU offers. As an Admissions Ambassador, Orientation Leader, and Ignite Ambassador, I get to welcome new students to campus and watch them find their own place here, the same way I did. Being a part of SHRM and Zeta Tau Alpha has shown me how much this campus values connection, growth, and support for one another. That spirit is something I've felt in every role I've taken on, and it's what makes YSU feel like home. I would represent the student body by continuing to be a visible, approachable presence on campus, the same way I show up as a tour guide and orientation leader. My roles have taught me to listen to students from all backgrounds and make sure they feel seen and welcomed. As Homecoming Royalty, I'd use that platform to celebrate the diversity of student involvement at YSU, from Fraternity and Sorority Life to volunteer work to academic organizations and remind students that everyone has a place in the Penguin community. 

I am proud to be a penguin because YSU is a community of people who come from all walks of life. Our campus leaders and administration also put in a lot of effort to ensure that every student feels like they have a voice at every table.   If I was selected as Homecoming Royalty, I would represent our students by leading with kindness and making space for every student.    

Knowing I attend the finest university in Ohio and am part of an amazing community of students, faculty and staff. With honor and integrity for the entire student body. 

YSU is my family heritage. Although I am a first-generation college student, I have been surrounded by YSU and its culture my whole life. I grew up attending football games, especially during the 2016 National Championship run, going to school events on campus, and dreaming of one day being able to fulfill my own goals here. I always wanted to become a scientist, and I remember dreaming about one day being able to work and learn in the labs at YSU. Being able to actually attend YSU, pursue chemistry here, and now give back to the same campus community I grew up around is what makes me proud to be a Penguin. Serving as the current Student Government President, I will continue to use my platform and my role to increase the visibility and influence of the student body and fulfill my election promises. If selected as Homecoming Royalty, I would use the opportunity to represent all students and the different backgrounds, organizations, and experiences that make up the YSU community. I would continue to be a visible and approachable representative for students, advocate for their interests, and use the position as another opportunity to show my pride for YSU and give back to the community that has given me so much. 

Being a penguin is like being a family everyone is looking out for each other and making sure we can be the best we can be    If selected as Homecoming Royalty, I would represent the student body by promoting school spirit and encouraging students to become more involved in our campus community. Being active in multiple student organizations, including the Marching Pride, Pep Band, and Sigma Chi Fraternity, has given me the opportunity to meet and connect with students from many different areas of campus. These experiences have shown me that school spirit is about more than attending events. It is about supporting one another and taking pride in being part of YSU. As Homecoming Royalty, I would use the opportunity to attend and promote campus events, support student organizations, and encourage students to step outside their usual circles and experience everything our university community has to offer. Most importantly, I would work to bring students together and represent the pride, energy, and sense of community that make YSU special.    

What makes me proud to be a Penguin is the strong sense of community at YSU. The university has given me opportunities to grow as a student, develop as a leader, and positively impact others through my campus involvement.   If selected as Homecoming Royalty, I would represent the student body with pride, inclusivity, and genuine school spirit. Through serving as president of the Black Student Union and the Omicron Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., I have learned that leadership means listening, showing up, and making others feel valued. I would use this opportunity to bring students together, celebrate the different communities that make YSU special, and represent what it truly means to be a Penguin.    

What makes me proud to be a Penguin is the strong sense of community at YSU. I am grateful for the amazing relationships and support I have found here, as well as the opportunities to connect with people throughout our campus community. I am proud of the welcoming atmosphere that makes YSU feel like home for many, and I love being part of a university that values academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, and student involvement. Being a Penguin means being part of a community that supports one another, celebrates each other’s accomplishments, and continues to grow together. If selected as Homecoming Royalty, I would represent the student body by being a voice for students and making sure their concerns and opinions are heard. I would listen to different perspectives, bring important issues to the Board of Trustees, and work to encourage helpful and beneficial changes on campus. I believe representing the student body means not only being a leader but also being someone students feel comfortable approaching and knowing that their opinions matter.