On Saturday, March 27, two students at Missouri State University-West Plains will be crowned the 2021 Homecoming King and Queen.

The crowning will take place during halftime ceremonies of the annual homecoming basketball game between the Grizzlies and the Mineral Area College Cardinals from Park Hills.

The game will get underway at 7 p.m. in the West Plains Civic Center arena.

The candidates

King candidates include:

• Matthew Luerssen, Cabool, sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa;
• Jefferson Thomas, Houston, sponsored by the Sign Language Club;
• Curtis Amburn, Licking, sponsored by the Student Government Association (SGA);
• Brandon Watson, West Plains, sponsored by Christian Campus House (CCH);
• Jordan Gower, Thayer, sponsored by the College Republicans.

Queen candidates are:

• Morgan Blanck, Willow Springs, sponsored by SGA;
• Savannah James, Nixa, sponsored by Student Ambassadors;
• Alexis Hayes, Marshfield, sponsored by the Grizzly Cheer Team;
• Carissa Harmon, Steelville, sponsored by the Sign Language Club;
• Michaela Marshall, West Plains, sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa.

Changes in homecoming activities

Unlike previous years, there will not be a “meet and greet” event with the candidates prior to the game due to the COVID-19 pandemic, university officials said. Instead, candidates are encouraged to arrange photos with their guests at an alternative location to ensure the safety and well-being of all homecoming participants, officials said.

The 2020 Homecoming King and Queen, Ezekiel Webb, Ellsinore, and Alyssa Matherly, Cabool, will be in attendance. They will take part in the crowning ceremonies for the 2021 king and queen at halftime, university officials said.

In addition, Interim Chancellor Dennis Lancaster will present the 2021 queen with a bouquet of flowers.

Following the crowning, the 2021 king, queen and court will go to the civic center’s Magnolia Room for professional photos; however, no guests will be allowed, university officials said.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, seating will be limited at the game, and social distancing and masking will be required throughout the event for everyone age 10 and above. Children age 2 to 9 are highly recommended to wear a mask, university officials said.

Those planning to attend should have their masks on when they enter the civic center. Masks will need to remain on throughout the event.

Ushers will be available to answer questions, and signage will be placed to help with seating. Every other row will be blocked off and three seats will be required between groups if seated in the same row.

For more information about homecoming activities, call the Missouri State-West Plains student life and development office at 417-255-7233.