Homecoming 2025: Meet The Candidates

What are you involved in at Staley?
Full-time student
What’s your most cherished Staley memory?
Kicking Park Hill’s butt my junior year when my cousin who was playing was talking trash the entire week leading up to it.
What are your future plans after graduation?
I want to go to Mizzou and get a bachelor’s degree in fire science and an associate’s degree in exercise science and become a firefighter and personal trainer.
If you could have a walk-up song play every time you enter a room, what would it be?
“Starstudded,” by Malcom Todd
If you could bring back any trend, what would it be?
The Mannequin Challenge
What’s your coolest secret talent?
playing guitar
What’s your favorite midnight snack?
Nutter Butters
When you were a kid, what was your go-to activity on the playground?
Jumping off the swings
If you had to pick an ice cream flavor that best represents you, what would it be?
chocolate chip
If we asked your friends, what would they say is your signature phrase?
“I was about to say.”
What adult has had the biggest impact on you and why?
My father; he’s always been a big inspiration of the man I want to become. He’s genuine and has shown a true definition of perseverance, going to college with two kids to become a teacher so he could be more available in his kids’ lives.
Share a positive or important moment you’ve had with a teacher or coach that has stuck with you and meant a lot to you.
Coach Lyster once told me, “People don’t like you because you’re the best at everything, people like you because you try and do stuff the right way.” Every time I think of quitting or slacking I rethink those words.
Seniors will vote for the top five this week. The link will be sent in email.
What are you involved in at Staley?
Choir, Theater, National Honor Society
Staying overnight in Columbia for solo and small ensemble with my friends
What are your future plans after graduation?
My plans are to go to UMKC and work toward becoming a doctor.
If you could have a walk-up song play every time you enter a room, what would it be?
“Deja Vu,” by Beyonce
If you could bring back any trend, what would it be?
The Black Beatles mannequin trend
What’s your coolest secret talent?
I can do the worm pretty well.
What’s your favorite midnight snack?
Probably pretzels, or honestly, anything sweet
When you were a kid, what was your go-to activity on the playground?
making up obstacle courses with my friends
If you had to pick an ice cream flavor that best represents you, what would it be?
Chunky Monkey beause I feel like it kind of gives off a chippy vibe, and I think thats the vibe I give.
If we asked your friends, what would they say is your signature phrase?
“yk what heck yeah”
What adult has had the biggest impact on you and why?
Probably my stepdad because he just has so much energy and goes through life always trying to make people happy
Share a positive or important moment you’ve had with a teacher or coach that has stuck with you and meant a lot to you.
Mr. Rucker telling me that I’d done a good job my sophomore year stuck with me because he doesn’t often express stuff like that unless he really means it, so it felt very validating.
Seniors will vote for the top five this week. The link will be sent in email.
What are you involved in at Staley?
Staley tennis, Staley soccer
What’s your most cherished Staley memory?
My most cherished memory was going to all my tennis matches and going to the football games with my friends.
What are your future plans after graduation?
I plan to go to aesthetician school and open my own lash business.
If you could have a walk-up song play every time you enter a room, what would it be?
“Money Longer,” Lil Uzi Vert
If you could bring back any trend, what would it be?
The Dougie
What’s your coolest secret talent?
I can play Mancala like a demon.
What’s your favorite midnight snack?
Takis and cream cheese
When you were a kid, what was your go-to activity on the playground?
Soccer and lava monsters
If you had to pick an ice cream flavor that best represents you, what would it be?
mint chocolate chip
If we asked your friends, what would they say is your signature phrase?
“innit”
What adult has had the biggest impact on you and why?
My mother because she’s very independent and my biggest influence. She inspires me every day.
Share a positive or important moment you’ve had with a teacher or coach that has stuck with you and meant a lot to you.
COACH CLAWSON. He is my favorite teacher. He really helped me through my sophomore year, and he is my comfort person.
Seniors will vote for the top five this week. The link will be sent in email.
What are you involved in at Staley?
Golf, Track and Field, National Honor Society, StuCo, Nest, DECA, STTV, Women’s Empowerment Club
What’s your most cherished Staley memory?
Leading the student section as a Nest leader for almost four years.
What are your future plans after graduation?
Study sports marketing and management and minor in sports journalism broadcasting at an SEC school down south. Hopefully Ole Miss or Alabama.
If you could have a walk-up song play every time you enter a room, what would it be?
“No Comments,” by Don Toliver
If you could bring back any trend, what would it be?
dabbing
What’s your coolest secret talent?
drawing
What’s your favorite midnight snack?
Cheez-It crackers or fruit snacks
When you were a kid, what was your go-to activity on the playground?
playing tag
If you had to pick an ice cream flavor that best represents you, what would it be?
mint chocolate chip
If we asked your friends, what would they say is your signature phrase?
“girl bye”
What adult has had the biggest impact on you and why?
“My mom because she has been my rock and has guided me through any situation and always has me know she is right by my side no matter what. She has been my best friend and has made me be the person I am today.”
Coach Lovely Horn just never giving up on me during sports and academics. And always pushing me to be my best and to not doubt myself in situations and always boosting me my mood when I’m in my head.
Seniors will vote for the top five this week. The link will be sent in email.
What are you involved in at Staley?
Soccer
What’s your most cherished Staley memory?
Getting lifted at Prom
What are your future plans after graduation?
I want to play soccer and study to be a physical therapist.
If you could have a walk-up song play every time you enter a room, what would it be?
“6 Foot 7 Foot,” by Lil Wayne
If you could bring back any trend, what would it be?
Calling your coach to say goodnight
What’s your coolest secret talent?
I can do a backflip.
What’s your favorite midnight snack?
Cheez-It crackers
When you were a kid, what was your go-to activity on the playground?
Swings or tag
If you had to pick an ice cream flavor that best represents you, what would it be?
caramel
If we asked your friends, what would they say is your signature phrase?
“I’m him”
What adult has had the biggest impact on you and why?
My brother because I want to be a hard worker like him.
Share a positive or important moment you’ve had with a teacher or coach that has stuck with you and meant a lot to you.
My coach once said to be consistent in life on and off the field.
Seniors will vote for the top five this week. The link will be sent in email.
What are you involved in at Staley?
I am involved in Choir as co-president, Leadership, Student Council, NHS as historian and Staley News as the social media manager. I created and now film and edit my very own school podcast (Liv and learn) and am in Women’s empowerment club!
What’s your most cherished Staley memory?
This most recent Freshman First Day. It was a major full circle moment being able to see how far I have come and how much I have grown since my own freshman year.
What are your future plans after graduation?
After graduation I plan to go to college and medical school in hopes to be a Pediatric Endocrinologist and help diabetic children like myself.
If you could have a walk-up song play every time you enter a room, what would it be?
“Pocketful of Sunshine,” by Natasha Bedingfield
If you could bring back any trend, what would it be?
Slime!
What’s your coolest secret talent?
Very crafty and artistic! (Painting, drawing, sewing, embroidery, baking and cooking)
What’s your favorite midnight snack?
Taco Bell nacho fries
When you were a kid, what was your go-to activity on the playground?
I was a 4-square warrior!!!
If you had to pick an ice cream flavor that best represents you, what would it be?
The Tonight Dough (a little bit of everything!!)
If we asked your friends, what would they say is your signature phrase?
Right Right…. (That one Krispy Kreme lady)
What adult has had the biggest impact on you and why?
My Momma! We are so very close, and she is my best friend. Her beauty, bravery and strength continues to push me to be the best version of myself! If I grow up to be half the human she is, I will be the happiest girl alive!
Share a positive or important moment you’ve had with a teacher or coach that has stuck with you and meant a lot to you.
After I performed a solo in choir, I went to thank my director, Mr. Rucker. When I said thank you for the opportunity, he said, “Don’t thank me, you made it possible! You be proud of you!” His words have stuck with me for the last two years as I have grown more confident in every aspect. I now know that I am the one who can set myself up for true success and growth.
Seniors will vote for the top five this week. The link will be sent in email.
What are you involved in at Staley?
Cheer, Track, National Honor Society Historian, Wrestling Management, Oreo Eating Club
What’s your most cherished Staley memory?
Setting two new school records at the sectionals track meet junior year and qualifying for state
What are your future plans after graduation?
Run track in college and get my degree on business finance or law
If you could have a walk-up song play every time you enter a room, what would it be?
“White Iverson,” by Post Malone
If you could bring back any trend, what would it be?
Mannequin challenge
What’s your coolest secret talent?
Baking recipes from scratch
What’s your favorite midnight snack?
Brownies
When you were a kid, what was your go-to activity on the playground?
Going down the big slides
If you had to pick an ice cream flavor that best represents you, what would it be?
cookie dough
If we asked your friends, what would they say is your signature phrase?
“Think positive thoughts.”
What adult has had the biggest impact on you and why?
My dad because he always pushes me to work hard and gives me the support to accomplish my goals
Share a positive or important moment you’ve had with a teacher or coach that has stuck with you and meant a lot to you.
When my track coach sat me down at Texas Relays and told me I’ve improved a lot, and I was ready to run on the varsity relays, and it gave me the confidence to run the next morning when we first broke a school record.
Seniors will vote for the top five this week. The link will be sent in email.
What are you involved in at Staley?
Girl’s and Boys Volleyball for 4 years, FCA for 4 years, Student Council for 4 years, Leadership for 2 years and Epsilon Beta for 4 years.
What’s your most cherished Staley memory?
My most cherished Staley memory is winning the district title for volleyball two years in a row.
What are your future plans after graduation?
My future plans after graduation are to major in something science-based, most likely Biology with a focus in Epidemiology.
If you could have a walk-up song play every time you enter a room, what would it be?
“Seven Nation Army,” by The White Stripes
If you could bring back any trend, what would it be?
If I could bring back any trend it would be old Vine videos because they were always the funniest.
What’s your coolest secret talent?
I am a gallery featured photographer.
What’s your favorite midnight snack?
My favorite midnight snack is mac and cheese.
When you were a kid, what was your go-to activity on the playground?
The monkey bars or tag when the recess monitors weren’t looking because my elementary school did not allow tag.
If you had to pick an ice cream flavor that best represents you, what would it be?
Orange Sherbet because it matches my hair.
If we asked your friends, what would they say is your signature phrase?
“Guess what? Chicken butt.”
What adult has had the biggest impact on you and why?
The adult who has had the biggest impact on me is my mom because she has always been there for me and has believed in me through every challenge I have faced.
Share a positive or important moment you’ve had with a teacher or coach that has stuck with you and meant a lot to you.
The road trip to Poplar Bluff with Mrs. Lannigan for State Student Council that really showed how much time she devotes to her students.
Seniors will vote for the top five this week. The link will be sent in email.
What are you involved in at Staley?
Staley Volleyball, National Honor Society, Oreo Eating Club President
What’s your most cherished Staley memory?
At my freshman year lunch table, me, Jillian, Emmary, Audrey, Sophie and Mia all said that if the Chiefs won the Super Bowl that year, we would buy a cookie cake and bring it to school and just eat that for lunch the day after the win. We did end up winning the Super Bowl that year, and it was the best lunch I ever had. We still have the picture of our cookie cake saved in the group chat.
What are your future plans after graduation?
I don’t know where I am going to college yet, but I want to major in nutrition and dietetics and go to med school to become a pediatric oncologist.
If you could have a walk-up song play every time you enter a room, what would it be?
“Thrift Shop,” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
If you could bring back any trend, what would it be?
I would bring back musically because I never got the chance to have it, and I still get fomo when people talk about how great it was.
What’s your coolest secret talent?
I can do a back bend.
What’s your favorite midnight snack?
Marshmallows. I love marshmallows.
When you were a kid, what was your go-to activity on the playground?
Kickball
If you had to pick an ice cream flavor that best represents you, what would it be?
I think pistachio ice cream represents me as a person.
If we asked your friends, what would they say is your signature phrase?
I say that I am “upsetty spaghetti” a lot.
What adult has had the biggest impact on you and why?
Both of my grandmas have had a really big impact on my life. My maternal grandma has really shaped me into the person I am and taught me so many life lessons that I am so grateful for. She inspires me every day. My paternal grandma has also had a huge impact on me because she has gone through so much throughout her life and is still so so strong for her family. She’s at any and every event that I am a part of to support me, and it means the world.
Share a positive or important moment you’ve had with a teacher or coach that has stuck with you and meant a lot to you.
I’ve never had a teacher that truly cared more about me as a person than Madame Downey. I’ve been in her class all of my 4 years at Staley now, and she never fails to remember the smallest things about me. She has so much love for every single one of her students, and for that I can’t thank her enough. It doesn’t go unnoticed, and I feel confident she will go down in history as my favorite teacher.
Seniors will vote for the top five this week. The link will be sent in email.
What are you involved in at Staley?
I have been a varsity swimmer on the Staley Swim and Dive team for 4 years, captain my senior year, editor of the Legacy yearbook, a part of the tennis team for 4 years, involved in Student Council and National Honor Society and a member of the Women’s Empowerment Club and Spanish club.
What’s your most cherished Staley memory?
My most cherished memory at Staley has to be going to state for swimming my sophomore year. It was great team bonding, and I will never forget the late nights in the hotel room and the bus rides.
What are your future plans after graduation?
I am still undecided on where I would like to attend college, but I am interested in Creighton University to major in pharmacy or business administration.
If you could have a walk-up song play every time you enter a room, what would it be?
My walk-up song would be, “Can’t Hold Us,” by Macklemore.
If you could bring back any trend, what would it be?
I would bring back the app BeReal because it was a fun way to capture the moment.
What’s your coolest secret talent?
What’s your favorite midnight snack?
When you were a kid, what was your go-to activity on the playground?
If you had to pick an ice cream flavor that best represents you, what would it be?
If we asked your friends, what would they say is your signature phrase?
What adult has had the biggest impact on you and why?
Share a positive or important moment you’ve had with a teacher or coach that has stuck with you and meant a lot to you.
My former swim coach Ethan Rose helped me grow and gain confidence as a swimmer and as a person. He gave me the motivation to make the state swim team as a freshman.
Seniors will vote for the top five this week. The link will be sent in email.
What are you involved in at Staley?
Staley Girls Tennis, Women’s Empowerment Club, StuCo, Asian Student Union, National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Orchestra and Speech and Debate
What’s your most cherished Staley memory?
My most cherished Staley memory would have to be the homecoming parades every year! Getting to watch everyone excitedly represent their activity while families come out to line the streets and cheer is such a cool reminder of how energetic and fun our Staley community is!!
What are your future plans after graduation?
Study political science at a university
If you could have a walk-up song play every time you enter a room, what would it be?
“Unwritten,” by Natasha Bedingfield
If you could bring back any trend, what would it be?
BEDAZZLED FLIP PHONES!!!
What’s your coolest secret talent?
I can tell the difference between Diet Coke and Coke Zero with my eyes closed.
What’s your favorite midnight snack?
Popcorn
When you were a kid, what was your go-to activity on the playground?
Ga-Ga Ball!
If you had to pick an ice cream flavor that best represents you, what would it be?
Mint chocolate chip is my go-to.
If we asked your friends, what would they say is your signature phrase?
Probably “perf!”
What adult has had the biggest impact on you and why?
My grandma because she taught me that empathy, compassion and a smile can fix just about anything!
Share a positive or important moment you’ve had with a teacher or coach that has stuck with you and meant a lot to you.
I have been so fortunate to have had so many impactful teachers at Staley that there’s too many moments to count! I will however always be grateful to Profe. Maki-Birchler for helping me enjoy the present moment no matter how busy my schedule gets.
Seniors will vote for the top five this week. The link will be sent in email.
What are you involved in at Staley?
What’s your most cherished Staley memory?
What are your future plans after graduation?
If you could have a walk-up song play every time you enter a room, what would it be?
If you could bring back any trend, what would it be?
What’s your coolest secret talent?
What’s your favorite midnight snack?
When you were a kid, what was your go-to activity on the playground?
If you had to pick an ice cream flavor that best represents you, what would it be?
If we asked your friends, what would they say is your signature phrase?
What adult has had the biggest impact on you and why?
Share a positive or important moment you’ve had with a teacher or coach that has stuck with you and meant a lot to you.
In 6th grade, I was fortunate enough to have a coach, Coach Domo, who saw potential in me and helped bring it to the surface. He gave me the confidence I needed to grow into a varsity basketball player at Staley.
Seniors will vote for the top five this week. The link will be sent in email.
What are you involved in at Staley?
What’s your most cherished Staley memory?
What are your future plans after graduation?
If you could have a walk-up song play every time you enter a room, what would it be?
If you could bring back any trend, what would it be?
What’s your coolest secret talent?
What’s your favorite midnight snack?
When you were a kid, what was your go-to activity on the playground?
If you had to pick an ice cream flavor that best represents you, what would it be?
If we asked your friends, what would they say is your signature phrase?
What adult has had the biggest impact on you and why?
Share a positive or important moment you’ve had with a teacher or coach that has stuck with you and meant a lot to you.
I’d say my best experience with a teacher would’ve been seeing my elementary coach retire in my sophomore year. He didn’t really remember me, but it’s still good to see him.
Seniors will vote for the top five this week. The link will be sent in email.
What are you involved in at Staley?
What’s your most cherished Staley memory?
What are your future plans after graduation?
If you could have a walk-up song play every time you enter a room, what would it be?
If you could bring back any trend, what would it be?
What’s your coolest secret talent?
What’s your favorite midnight snack?
When you were a kid, what was your go-to activity on the playground?
If you had to pick an ice cream flavor that best represents you, what would it be?
If we asked your friends, what would they say is your signature phrase?
What adult has had the biggest impact on you and why?
Share a positive or important moment you’ve had with a teacher or coach that has stuck with you and meant a lot to you.
A positive/important moment I’ve had with a coach that has stuck/meant a lot to me was when I was having a hard time at practice, I was being really hard on myself and felt as though I was letting my teammates down. I remember when my coach had called me up to just let me express what I was feeling and was reminding me of all the accomplishments I’ve made and how I’m talented and one of the hardest working people she’s ever seen.
Seniors will vote for the top five this week. The link will be sent in email.
What are you involved in at Staley?
What’s your most cherished Staley memory?
What are your future plans after graduation?
If you could have a walk-up song play every time you enter a room, what would it be?
If you could bring back any trend, what would it be?
What’s your coolest secret talent?
What’s your favorite midnight snack?
When you were a kid, what was your go-to activity on the playground?
If you had to pick an ice cream flavor that best represents you, what would it be?
If we asked your friends, what would they say is your signature phrase?
What adult has had the biggest impact on you and why?
Share a positive or important moment you’ve had with a teacher or coach that has stuck with you and meant a lot to you.
A positive moment that has stuck with me and meant a lot to me was my track coach, coach Parrish. His encouraging and uplifting words to the relay after sectionals helped us to enjoy our final moments together at state.
Seniors will vote for the top five this week. The link will be sent in email.
What are you involved in at Staley?
What’s your most cherished Staley memory?
What are your future plans after graduation?
If you could have a walk-up song play every time you enter a room, what would it be?
If you could bring back any trend, what would it be?
What’s your coolest secret talent?
What’s your favorite midnight snack?
When you were a kid, what was your go-to activity on the playground?
If you had to pick an ice cream flavor that best represents you, what would it be?
If we asked your friends, what would they say is your signature phrase?
What adult has had the biggest impact on you and why?
My mom because she took care of me and my siblings all by herself.
Share a positive or important moment you’ve had with a teacher or coach that has stuck with you and meant a lot to you.
My teacher of choice is Mrs. Hasenohr Anytime I went to her class she’d listen to my shenanigans.
Seniors will vote for the top five this week. The link will be sent in email.
What are you involved in at Staley?
What’s your most cherished Staley memory?
What are your future plans after graduation?
If you could have a walk-up song play every time you enter a room, what would it be?
If you could bring back any trend, what would it be?
What’s your coolest secret talent?
What’s your favorite midnight snack?
When you were a kid, what was your go-to activity on the playground?
If you had to pick an ice cream flavor that best represents you, what would it be?
If we asked your friends, what would they say is your signature phrase?
What adult has had the biggest impact on you and why?
Share a positive or important moment you’ve had with a teacher or coach that has stuck with you and meant a lot to you.
Mrs. Bowman giving me snacks during WIN time.
Seniors will vote for the top five this week. The link will be sent in email.
What are you involved in at Staley?
What’s your most cherished Staley memory?
What are your future plans after graduation?
If you could have a walk-up song play every time you enter a room, what would it be?
If you could bring back any trend, what would it be?
What’s your coolest secret talent?
What’s your favorite midnight snack?
When you were a kid, what was your go-to activity on the playground?
If you had to pick an ice cream flavor that best represents you, what would it be?
If we asked your friends, what would they say is your signature phrase?
What adult has had the biggest impact on you and why?
Share a positive or important moment you’ve had with a teacher or coach that has stuck with you and meant a lot to you.
Mrs. Flanigan always cared for me and has said hi to me any chance she gets. To this day, she is one of my favorite teachers
Seniors will vote for the top five this week. The link will be sent in email.
What are you involved in at Staley?
What’s your most cherished Staley memory?
What are your future plans after graduation?
If you could have a walk-up song play every time you enter a room, what would it be?
If you could bring back any trend, what would it be?
What’s your coolest secret talent?
What’s your favorite midnight snack?
When you were a kid, what was your go-to activity on the playground?
If you had to pick an ice cream flavor that best represents you, what would it be?
If we asked your friends, what would they say is your signature phrase?
What adult has had the biggest impact on you and why?
Share a positive or important moment you’ve had with a teacher or coach that has stuck with you and meant a lot to you.
My club swim coach Tom gave me a hug and some advice after my first big swim on the national level, which meant a lot to me.
Seniors will vote for the top five this week. The link will be sent in email.
What are you involved in at Staley?
What’s your most cherished Staley memory?
What are your future plans after graduation?
If you could have a walk-up song play every time you enter a room, what would it be?
If you could bring back any trend, what would it be?
What’s your coolest secret talent?
What’s your favorite midnight snack?
When you were a kid, what was your go-to activity on the playground?
If you had to pick an ice cream flavor that best represents you, what would it be?
If we asked your friends, what would they say is your signature phrase?
What adult has had the biggest impact on you and why?
Share a positive or important moment you’ve had with a teacher or coach that has stuck with you and meant a lot to you.
Seniors will vote for the top five this week. The link will be sent in email.
What are you involved in at Staley?
What’s your most cherished Staley memory?
What are your future plans after graduation?
If you could have a walk-up song play every time you enter a room, what would it be?
If you could bring back any trend, what would it be?
What’s your coolest secret talent?
What’s your favorite midnight snack?
When you were a kid, what was your go-to activity on the playground?
If you had to pick an ice cream flavor that best represents you, what would it be?
If we asked your friends, what would they say is your signature phrase?
What adult has had the biggest impact on you and why?
Share a positive or important moment you’ve had with a teacher or coach that has stuck with you and meant a lot to you.
All of my soccer coaches when they give me pep talks and who have helped make me be better off and on the field and making sure I work my hardest and cheering me on even when I struggle.