By Ari Gevov
Staff Writer
After a week of dress-up days and pep rallies, seniors Eli Rivas and Mackenzie Austin were named Mira Costa Homecoming king and queen on Oct. 21.
Throughout the week preceding Homecoming, each couple dressed up in different themed costumes. Austin and Rivas’ themes varied from St. Patrick’s Day to “Toy Story.”
On Friday, all the princesses dressed up as football players and the princes as cheerleaders, following Costa tradition.
“We worked on outfits until late at night,” Austin said. “It was so stressful but ended up great.”
The five other Homecoming couple pairs were Michael Diaz and Haley Orzeck; Stephen Giovati and Kelsie Martel; Alec Weaver and Riley Versfelt; Trent Fuji and Ca Che Jones; and Travis Taylor and Victoria Torres.
“This was the most amazing group of people I have ever worked with,” Austin said. “We all became great friends.”
Austin and Rivas along with the other court members were nominated by a club or organization. Austin was nominated by Model United Nations and Rivas was nominated by Drama and Improv clubs.
“I was honored to be nominated,” Rivas said. “It made me happy to be with Mackenzie.”
An Italian dinner was hosted before the game for the court members and their families with Costa administrators.
“It was a great celebration and everyone had a good time taking pictures and talking about the past week,” Austin said.
During the halftime show, a brief biography about each person on the Homecoming court and how they have contributed to both the community and Mira Costa.
Each couple was driven into Waller Stadium in a Ford Mustang following the Dance, Cheer and Song teams. Student Government “ninjas” wrote “Homecoming 2011” on the field with white signs and erected Gazebos for each of the couples to stand under. Each couple was escorted by family members.
“The whole experience was so surreal,” Rivas said. “Being nominated with Mackenzie [Austin] made the whole experience even better.”
After discussing many ideas for the halftime show movie, Mustang Morning News decided on a Harry Potter-themed satire. This year, MMN decided to have a written script for the court to follow instead of using improvisation like it has done in past years. The court played different characters from the Harry Potter series, and at the end, Austin and Rivas, who played Cho Chang and Dobby the house elf, respectively were announced as the winners of the 2011 Homecoming Court.
“The court was really helpful,” movie coordinator Kelsey Herrera said. “The court was really cooperative and willing to help whenever.”
Austin and Rivas have maintained their friendship since attending Hermosa Valley School. Both feel that their long-lasting friendship makes receiving Homecoming king and queen more gratifying.
“We had no idea our lives would converge like this,” Austin said. “We genuinely love what we do for the school and are very proud of one another.”
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