Howard Payne University has announced the 2014 Homecoming Court. The HPU Homecoming queen and princess will be crowned this Friday, October 24, at 2 p.m. during Homecoming Convocation in the university’s Mims Auditorium.

Homecoming queen nominees are Katie Rose Bonner of Lytle, a senior Guy D. Newman Honors Academy student who majors in political science and history; Morgan Marriott of Fort Worth, a senior communication major and psychology minor; and Samantha Mullins of Frisco, a senior psychology major and health science minor.

Katie Rose is the daughter of James and Rosemary Bonner of Lytle. She serves as student body president and is a member of Sigma Theta Phi, Gamma Beta Phi, Pi Gamma Mu and the HPU Moot Court team. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend law school and is considering a career in immigration or international law.

Morgan, the daughter of Dr. Ronny and Mrs. Robin Marriott of Temple, is a member of Delta Chi Rho and works for the Yellow Jacket student newspaper. She is a former member of the Lady Jackets women’s basketball team and after graduation plans to become a talk show host.

Samantha is the daughter of Chad and Natalie Johnson of Frisco. She is a member of Chi Alpha Omega and the Lady Jackets women’s soccer team. After graduation, she plans to become an occupational therapist and work with children who have special needs.

Princess nominees are Gabriella Guest of Midlothian, a junior choral music education major and theatre minor; Kelsan Wolverton of Lampasas, a junior cross-cultural and Bible major who minors in theatre; and Caitlin Wood of Miles, a junior Guy D. Newman Honors Academy student who majors in political science and minors in Christian education.

Gabriella is the daughter of Austin and DeeDee Guest of Midlothian. She is involved with the Student Government Association and is a member of Gamma Beta Phi, Kappa Delta Pi, the Concert Choir and the Symphonic Band. Additionally, she writes for the Yellow Jacket student newspaper and is involved with many HPU theatre productions. Her career goal is to become a high school choir director.

Kelsan is the daughter of Kelly and Susan Wolverton of DeSoto. She is on the Student Planning Committee and is involved with Alpha Psi Omega, the Baptist Student Ministry, the Ministerial Alliance and HPU theatre productions. After graduation, she would like to become a missionary.

Caitlin, the daughter of Ron and Sandy Wood of Miles, is a member of Gamma Beta Phi, Pi Gamma Mu and the Jacket Ambassadors. Additionally, she is involved with Student Government Association, Moot Court and the Baptist Student Ministry. After finishing her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend law school and eventually work as a litigator or in-house counsel for a faith-based organization.

In addition to Homecoming Convocation, the Homecoming Court will be featured in the parade on Saturday, October 25, beginning at 9:15 a.m., and in the half-time show of the football game versus Hardin-Simmons University at Gordon Wood Stadium starting at 2 p.m.

The student body selects the court each year by elections coordinated through the Student Government Association.

Pictured above: HPU has announced its 2014 Homecoming Court. Left to right: Kelsan Wolverton, Katie Rose Bonner, Morgan Marriott, Gabriella Guest, Samantha Mullins and Caitlin Wood.