Senior Gisselle Hernandez was crowned queen of homecoming, alongside her king, Nelson Omolo on Saturday, Oct. 29. Gisselle is the first Latina Homecoming queen in UCA history.
“I feel so excited. I was honestly just excited to get nominated,” Hernandez said. “I’m a transfer student so I thought this wasn’t even possible.”
Omolo was also surprised to receive the crown but was thankful he did.
“I wasn’t expecting it, but I’m super excited and super thankful for everybody,” Omolo said. “I don’t know, it’s just a bunch of emotions, to be honest. I don’t know how to explain it. I don’t know how to put it into words.”
Homecoming King Tyler Cox (left) presents the crown to Homecoming King Nelson Omolo (right). The homecoming coronation was held at Estes Stadium during the football game’s halftime.
The diverse pair are the first to be crowned as a Latina and African American queen and king. This was powerful for Hernandez because she felt like she represented her community.
“I’m representing the Latino community,” Hernandez said. “I’d be the first Latina homecoming queen so that just makes me really excited.”
Hernandez thanked her sorority sisters, the members of Alpha Sigma Tau, for nominating her and for being there for her throughout the process.
“They’ve been so supportive and they’re the ones who have calmed my nerves during this time, so I’m really thankful for them,” Hernandez said.
On her Instagram, Hernandez said, “To Alpha Tau, without your support I know this would not be possible.”
Omolo also thanked the organization that nominated him for Homecoming royalty, the Nursing Student Association, and the people who voted for him.
Homecoming Queen Gisselle Hernandez and Homecoming King Nelson Omolo pose after being crowned at Estes Stadium Oct. 29. The two were crowned at the UCA homecoming football game during halftime.
“There’s also a lot of pivotal people throughout my college experience that I’d like to thank for giving me information, advice and leadership,” Omolo said.
On his Instagram, Omolo said, “Queen Gisselle, the love and passion that you have for everyone has and will never go unnoticed and I cannot be more proud of you. We have such similar goals in life, and I’ll always do anything I can to make sure you reach them.”
Hernandez said on her Instagram, “To Nelson, you were one of the first people on staff that I was able to relate to on a personal level. You are a gift to this campus and I am grateful for your friendship. To be able to hold this title alongside you is a great privilege.”
Hernandez and Omolo were both a part of the Student Orientation Staff.
While Hernandez is a transfer student from Clinton, Omolo moved to Conway when he was seven. He attended Conway public schools and said the community of Conway raised him. He will attend UCA for one more year.
“I’m in my first year, my senior year, with nursing school. So I’ll have another year after this,” Omolo said.
Homecoming Princess senior Anastasia Coleman (left) and senior Ryan Jones walk at the UCA Homecoming coronation.
As for the queen, Hernandez is premed and a senior at UCA. She transferred from the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton.
“I was ready to be at a four-year university and it wasn’t too far from home,” Hernandez said.
Her goal is to be an ER physician. She said being crowned homecoming queen was a memory she will hold on to forever.