Each year the student body elects a king and a queen that represents what it is to be a bright light and a shining spirit on campus and this year these two seniors were Ashley Campos and Tipeti (Tip) Paini! These two students have worked extremely hard for their accomplishments and we are so excited to announce them as the 2025 Homecoming King and Queen.
Campos and Paini received this title in front of their family, friends, and peers. The two students stood in center field under the bright stadium lights with the biggest smiles on their faces. As everyone stood and cheered. This crowning of these two students was a way of bringing a sense of unity to the student body and also a way to honor the students who have worked hard and earned their title of Homecoming King and Queen.
Campos, the Editor-in-Chief of the school paper states,“ It felt unreal being selected as Homecoming Queen because there were so many amazing candidates with me. I think we all deserved to win and when I opened my box and saw I was chosen I was super excited.” And along with that, our Homecoming King Tipeti Paini stated, “I was super shocked I was chosen for this title especially because I didn’t try to campaign or anything I was just chosen. When I looked at my friends boxes and realized they didn’t have the hourglass I immediately knew that I was chosen.” While this is a very prestigious title to obtain, it also comes with a lot of responsibilities. For example, the king and queen along with the other candidates had been participating in many things around campus such as spirit dress up days, creating speeches,dances with fellow candidates, and lastly being in the Homecoming Parade that following Friday.
Both of these seniors are perfect examples of how to be a welcoming and involved student. At every rally or school event Tip will surely be there to bring the school spirit and to get everyone hyped for upcoming events. On top of being Ripon High’s hype man he also is captain of the varsity football team where his leadership and dedication can be seen as he encourages his fellow teammates after every play. “ The memory that sticks with me during this Homecoming week will be overcoming my fear of speaking to the entire student body during my campaign and being able to work through a tough moment.” And while it may have seemed like a frightening experience for Paini he persevered through it all and came out on top.
For Ashley Campos she can be considered a sweet and genuine person where her talents go towards being supportive of everyone and encouraging everyone to be their best. At school, Campos is Editor-in-Chief of the Ripon Smoke Signal or better known as journalism. With her positive attitude and her caring spirit she is a perfect role model for what it is to be a leader and is a pillar of her community. Campos states,“ Being homecoming queen means that I can show other students that you should be yourself without caring what others think”.
Both of these students show different aspects of being your own authentic self, from overcoming obstacles to trying their hardest to be rid of others’ judgment. They can also be a shining example of that there is not one specific way to be involved within your school and both of these students stated that everyone should try their hardest to be involved even if it is something small such as a club or a one time event it all matters and gives a sense of unity and pride to the school. All in all ,the Homecoming King and Queen symbolizes more than being just a title; it shows your involvement in the community, overcoming obstacles, and cheering on your peers.
