Homecoming Court

Court members are selected based on their leadership qualities, spirit, integrity, and achievement through their contributions and involvement at Ohio State. The Royalty selection process begins with an application. Based on application scores and GPA, individual interviews are offered and conducted by Ohio State faculty, staff, and alumni. The application and interview scores are combined with the student body vote, and the royalty is announced.

Royalty members then volunteer and serve as ambassadors during Welcome Week and Homecoming Week, prior to a student body vote and announcement of the Homecoming Royalty.

Jerriah Benton                                              
Year in School: Senior
Hometown: Lima, Ohio
Major: Biology/Pre-Med

Why do I wish to represent the university as part of the Lima Homecoming Court?

I want to represent The Ohio State University at Lima because I don’t just attend, I contribute. I bring presence, leadership, and a genuine ability to connect with others. I take pride in being someone who uplifts people and sets a positive tone. If chosen, I would represent the university with confidence, authenticity, and a standard that reflects the best of who we are.

Anden Blankemeyer                                     
Hometown: Ottawa, Ohio
Rank: Senior
Major: Biology/Pre-Med

Why do I wish to represent the university as part of the Lima Homecoming Court?

Attending The Ohio State University at Lima has given me a close-knit community where I have grown academically and personally. Working in the Learning Center and being a member of the pre-health club has given me many opportunities to build meaningful relationships and contribute to the Lima campus life. This is why I would like to represent our university on the Homecoming Court.

Keerthi Merugu                                   
Hometown: Lima, Ohio
Rank: Junior
Major: Biology/Pre-Med

Why do I wish to represent the university as part of the Lima Homecoming Court? 

I grew up in Lima, so this community has always meant a lot to me. I actually toured The Ohio State University at Lima campus when I was in high school, and now I’ve been a student here for the past three years and plan to continue my education here. During my time here I’ve gotten involved in different clubs, met a lot of great people, and built strong relationships with other students and staff. Because the campus is smaller, it’s really easy to get to know people and feel connected to the community. I’ve made a lot of friendships and memories here that have really shaped my college experience. Representing the Lima campus on Homecoming Court would mean a lot to me because this university has been a big part of my life for years. It would be a great opportunity to represent a campus and community that I care about and have been proud to be part of.

Makinley Jarrett                               
Hometown: New Paris, Ohio
Rank: Senior
Major: Zoology

Why do I wish to represent the university as part of the Lima Homecoming Court?

I want to represent transfer students and show that it is not difficult to get involved and make yourself known on campus.

Malachi Talbert                                                  
Hometown: Lima, Ohio
Rank: Junior
Major: Biology/Pre-Med

Why do I wish to represent the university as part of the Lima Homecoming Court? 

Ever since I stepped foot on campus my freshman year during orientation, I dreamed about one day being able to serve on the Homecoming court. This dream of mine has been lingering in my head for the last two semesters, but now I'm finally ready to make it into a reality. I would love the chance to be able to represent the Lima regional campus because I was born and raised here. Lima has been a staple within my life and I have been able to make such a positive impact on the community. Whether it has been volunteering at soup kitchens or just helping out those in need, I’ve always strived to help those from Lima. Aside from that, the opportunity to represent Lima is more than just being from a city. It is a chance to inspire the youth who might have grown up underserved just as I did and had no real role models to show them the way. It is a chance to prove to myself that hard work does pay off, and no matter where you start you can do anything. Most importantly the opportunity to represent the Lima campus is a chance to give back to a university that has done so much for me. In short, I would love the chance to represent the Lima campus on homecoming court because it serves as another opportunity to give back and inspire. Whether it is as homecoming king or just a member of the homecoming court, the pleasure will still be the same. This opportunity will still serve as a chance to give back.

Emily Pocza                                           
Hometown: Lima, Ohio
Rank: Senior
Major: Early Childhood Education

Why do I wish to represent the university as part of the Lima Homecoming Court?

I love how Ohio State is committed to helping all of its students succeed and become professionals in whatever degree they are pursuing. I feel that I have welcomed and would give other students inspiration that change is okay, and sometimes necessary and good. I actually transferred here a year and a half ago and was so scared that I would be an outcast or looked at as "not a real or committed" student. I quickly learned that Ohio State loves all of their students and pours into each of them encouragement and motivation to succeed.