The field has been narrowed for this year’s Homecoming Royalty competition at Pittsburg State University, with 12 students representing a variety of organizations having been selected as finalists.
The candidates will have several opportunities during Homecoming week to share their leadership experiences, campus involvement, and Pitt State pride, before the 2026 Homecoming Royalty are crowned.
This year’s finalists are:
Gibson Baker (El Dorado), representing Sigma Sigma Sigma, is a senior majoring in Biology (Pre-Med).
Luke Anderson (Nevada, Missouri), representing Sigma Chi, is a junior majoring in Biology (Pre-Veterinarian).
Alice Carnahan (Parsons), representing Student Government Association, is a senior majoring in Communication.
Trevor Bunt (Claremore, Oklahoma), representing the Gorilla Activities Board, is a senior majoring in Graphic Communications.
Emma Eckstein (Frontenac), representing Sigma Sigma Sigma, is a junior majoring in Business Management.
Logan Huser (Fredonia, Kansas), representing The Newman Club, is a senior majoring in Music Education.
Indiana Grotheer (Pittsburg), representing the Honors College Association, is a junior majoring in Elementary Education.
Darrel McLeod (Pittsburg), representing Student Government Association, is a senior double majoring in Business Economics and Strategic Communication.
Allison Krafft (Louisburg), representing Alpha Gamma Delta, is a senior majoring in Elementary and Special Education.
Shane Minor (Pleasant Hill, Missouri), representing Lambda Chi Alpha, is a senior majoring in Finance.
Ava Van Nieuwenhaus (Pittsburg), representing Alpha Sigma Alpha, is a senior majoring in Elementary Education.
Noah Yeakey (Oronogo, Missouri), representing Sigma Chi, is a senior majoring in Construction Management.
The next step in the competition is the Royalty Fishbowl on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the Overman Student Center. Candidates will participate in two rounds of questions and have an opportunity to campaign and discuss their involvement, leadership journey, and Pitt State pride with their peers and the campus community.
Students will have the opportunity to vote through Gorilla Engage from noon Monday, Oct. 12, through noon Friday, Oct. 16.
Homecoming Royalty will be crowned at Yell Like Hell at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, at Carnie Smith Stadium. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Royalty will be featured in the Homecoming Parade on Broadway at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, and will be recognized during the Homecoming Game at Carnie Smith Stadium that afternoon. Kickoff is at 2 p.m.
Read more about this year's Homecoming Activities here: