There are many traits people look for in a homecoming queen, like enthusiasm, hard work and kindness. Senior Britney Zeleny met a lot of these traits, helping her become Yutan’s 2024 homecoming queen.
“I’m very enthusiastic, and the people around me can see that, and I like to involve myself with everybody in the school. I really like talking to every grade from JH all the way to my grade,” Zeleny said.
When homecoming court was first announced and she was one of the four candidates, Zeleny was thrilled.
“I was very happy and excited. I had an idea that I would make it but was not completely sure. But then hearing my name and every other candidate, I thought it was perfect for all of us,” Zeleny said.
She was excited to be announced alongside seniors Gabi Tederman, Amelia Dieckman and Mckenna Jones.
“I’m very close with all of them. I really enjoy them all and we were all very good candidates, and I am on the volleyball team with the girl candidates, and it was super cool to hear all of us be announced,” Zeleny said.
Developing relationships is an important skill to have for a homecoming queen that science teacher Leslie Heise has seen in Zeleny.
“Britney is well-liked by many, and she easily makes friends with people from all different backgrounds,” Heise said. “She’s great at making close relationships with others. She has a lot of friends on the volleyball team I see her interacting with in the hallway. I think it’s unique that Britney has been a team manager for so many of our activities, even though she doesn’t participate in the events directly. She’s still a huge member of those teams and builds positive relationships with her peers.”
Zeleny’s friends recognize these traits as well.
“She is extremely outgoing and kind. She’s super enthusiastic in everything that she does, and she works hard and loves to do well in everything that she does,” Tederman said. “She pushes me outside of my comfort zone because she’s so outgoing. I’m really not that outgoing, but having her around, it just encourages me to go outside of my comfort zone. She also is a really good student, so that pushes me to be a better student.”
Zeleny brought a lot of enthusiasm during the homecoming activities.
“I was very enthusiastic about it. I didn’t have my hopes up because I didn’t want that idea. But then dressing up for homecoming week was super fun, and I involved myself much more than usual because I figured since it’s senior year, might as well go all out,” Zeleny said.
One activity that was a highlight was the parade, where she experienced a special moment as she was riding in one of the royalty cars.
“My favorite part was the homecoming parade when we were stopped sitting in the convertible, there was a little girl from the elementary school. I have no clue who she was, but she looked at me and she was like, ‘Oh my goodness, you are so beautiful.’ And it just made me feel so good about myself,” Zeleny said.
At the coronation Friday night, Zeleny felt many different emotions.
“I was excited but nervous at the same time. I didn’t think that I would get it, so then I wasn’t as nervous,” Zeleny said.
When Zeleny’s name was announced as queen, her face lit up as well as the faces in the crowd.
“It felt really cool because there were so many people standing there watching, and it just made me feel better because then the majority of people voted for me. So it made me happy to see that everybody likes me,” Zeleny said.
Even Zeleny’s fellow queen candidates were happy for her.
“She is a great student and even a better friend. She’s always there for me and literally anybody that needs her. Anybody could go to Britney if they had a problem, and she’ll just be there by your side for whatever you need her for, which I think is really special,” Tederman said.
As she reflects on the whole week, Zeleny has advice for anyone wanting to follow in her shoes.
“Instead of taking pride in yourself, keep being you and try to involve yourself with everyone of all ages,” Zeleny said.
