Cameron Jackson and Miranda Van Loon Crowned Homecoming Royalties

After much anticipation, John F. Kennedy’s 2025 homecoming court was announced at TAK field during the corresponding football game on Sept. 19. 

Miranda Van Loon (12) and Cameron Jackson (12) were elected to be Homecoming king and queen, respectively, standing out from other strong candidates. To get to this point, both were part of a group of 10 nominated by their class and then voted on by the entire student body on the Five-star app.

For Van Loon, the experience felt surreal and took a while for it to sink in. “Honestly it just hit me this morning. I feel really happy and I really love our school,” stated Van Loon.  She also added that the build up to the announcement was “...really nerve wrecking, and I started feeling that anxiety build up.” 

Jackson feels similar noting, “I’m glad to be here, because this is my last senior homecoming.” While he was unsure about what the results would be, he nevertheless enjoyed the experience. “I didn’t know what to expect going into this. I was just in it because it seemed fun and I got nominated. I was hoping to win but I wasn’t expecting anything,” said Jackson. The two were also amazed by the support and school spirit that they received from everyone in attendance. “When I heard my name, I was really shocked. When you hear all those people clap and yell for you, it makes you feel happy, but also more nervous,” commented Van Loon.

“It was really cool to hear, when Lydon announced [the winners], how everyone cheered,” said Jackson. “That was kind of cool that everyone was cheering for me.”  Both Van Loon and Jackson recognized that they would not have gotten to this point without support and inspiration from those around them. Homecoming court was very personal for Jackson, as he felt he was carrying on a legacy.“Both of my parents actually won homecoming royalty in their high school years, and so did my brother,” explained Jackson.   

“So it was kind of like I had to do it. I’m sure they were happy and proud that I am being outgoing and getting out of my comfort zone and meeting new people at school.”  Van Loon also acknowledged how her family empowered her, stating, “My parents have always been really supportive of me and they helped me out during my campaign by buying ink so I could print out posters, so I’m really grateful for them.”

Both winners left feeling pride, gratitude, and a memory that they will carry beyond their senior year. “It’s pretty cool [winning homecoming royalty]. It’s nice to know that I am received well by my classmates,” Jackson concluded. 

Photo by Diego Villalobos Barros | Kennedy's two Homecoming royals standing side-by-side.