2023 Hoco King and Queen share wisdom and well-wishes

It’s that time of the year again: school spirit is at an all-time high, students have a week of fun events to attend and, to close it off, some good ole football. Yes, you guessed it, it’s Homecoming Week at Troy University.

The Tropolitan reached out to former Homecoming Queen Jane Vickers and Homecoming King Myles Camel to see how being named homecoming queen and king had an influence on their lives over the past year.

“It made a positive impact on my life,” Camel said. “It’s made me want to strive for more and to always uphold the title no matter if I’m graduated or not.”

To some, homecoming is filled with a series of fun events, campaigning, participating in sorority and fraternity events and, of course, the football game. While all that is true and relevant, others see homecoming on a deeper level.

“Homecoming now, just means being able to see those people who made just a difference in my life that they not even realize,” Vickers said. “Being able to be surrounded by them for that weekend, I’m just so excited to be there and feel at home.

“It means a ton to go back.”

Camel said that to him, homecoming is a time to reconnect.

“Homecoming is an opportunity to reconnect with people that I do not get the chance to see often anymore,” Camel said. “It’s a chance to appreciate my college days and have a chance to showcase my Trojan spirit one more time.”

Being selected to serve your university as homecoming king or queen is a huge accomplishment that also comes with its perks.

“Being able to put that I was the Troy University Homecoming King on my resume was a genuine blessing,” Camel said. “It is something my employer noticed and appreciated that I was able to achieve that.

“It just somewhat shows my personality and interpersonal skills on paper.”

Camel now works at Visit Dothan, the visitor information center, as an information specialist. He primarily works with social media and serves the city of Dothan, its residents, and its visitors.

A lot can change in a year.

Vickers is currently working to obtain her master’s in strategic communications online at Troy University. She is working in Washington, D.C. as a press assistant for Congressman Greg Murphy. Murphy represents the third congressional district of North Carolina.

“I’m still using the lessons that Troy has taught me,” Vickers said. “I’m still very active in volunteering.

“Outside of work, I’m a Make-a-Wish granting volunteer, which is the philanthropy I was involved in with my sorority.”

Vickers offered advice for future homecoming kings and queens.

“Never forgot the power that you have and that power you can make,” Vickers said. “Use the title for the betterment of the world.”

Camel also offered some advice, hoping to encourage future kings.

“Be the heartbeat of the university,” Camel said. “Connect with as many of your peers as possible and be as authentic and genuine as you can.”