Waynesburg announces Homecoming King and Queen

Courtesy of Heidi Dziak

Waynesburg’s football team led the Thiel Tomcats 14-0 by halftime of the 2019 Homecoming game Oct. 5. However, attention did not deviate from the field when both teams went to their respective locker rooms. Instead, the homecoming court of 2019 took the field for the king and queen to be announced.

Senior accounting major Heidi Dziak and senior biochemistry major Harrison Scott were announced homecoming 2019 king and queen. While both had different routes to the crown, they share a common theme: both are very thankful for choosing Waynesburg.

Dziak knew she was going to run, as she saw it as an opportunity to have an experience unavailable to her in high school.

“In my high school, and most others, it seemed as if the ones on court were the rich kids, the popular kids, the athletes and the football stars. Back then, I stood no chance,” Dziak said. “My dream of being queen or just being on court then was crushed because I didn’t fit any of the above characteristics. But for Waynesburg, it seemed like it was different, and that proved to be true with this court.”

Scott, on the other hand, did not plan on running.

“Ironically, I had never planned to run for court. I never ran for court in high school, and I was completely content not running,” Scott said. “However, a bunch of my friends asked if I was running or told me that I should run. I said I’d consider it, but never seriously considered it.”

That changed when a friend of Scott’s offered to help him out.

“I realized I didn’t have a picture to use even if I really wanted to run,” Scott said. “Then, Nicole Tobias offered to take my picture, and things rolled from there.”

Both had a lot of support, which helped them get on the court.

“I had a lot of friends supporting me, and I appreciate each one of them,” Scott said. “I also want to give a special shout-out to the guys in my house: David Shannon, Brendon Connett, Ben Dodge, Jeb Brady and Marco Herrera.”

Dziak said one of her biggest supporters was her roommate, Christina Bauer.

“She helped me pick out my dress, added accessories, helped me in my time of doubt and made sure I felt like a queen whether or not I won,” she said.

The court participated in various events, including a photoshoot, pep rally and the game day festivities. Both Dziak and Scott noted that everything slowed down the moment they were announced.

“After they said my name, my body went into shock,” Dziak said. “My legs went numb at the sound of my name being called and the crowd cheering.”

Both Dziak and Scott are thankful for their time at Waynesburg and the opportunities which have been afforded to them.

“Waynesburg has given me a second home,” Dziak said. “It has shown me so much love and support, and it’s helped me grow as a person.”

“I’ve learned a lot inside the classroom, but my friends, professors and others have taught me so much more than biochemical metabolism or the electron configuration of copper,” Scott said. “I’ve treasured each moment, from celebrating each others’ victories to sharing each others’ sorrows. It sounds so cliché, but Waynesburg has made me the person I am today.”