The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s 2026 Homecoming Court brought together 10 students who are recognized for their campus involvement, leadership and contributions to the community.
Emily Lamkin and Grayson Kervin were named homecoming queen and king, during halftime of the Ragin’ Cajuns’ homecoming football game against Arkansas State University on Oct. 3 at the Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium.
Lamkin, a senior political science major from Metairie, was nominated by the Student Government Association (SGA). Kervin, a senior accounting major from Mandeville, was nominated by Alpha Delta Pi sorority.
The other members of the 2026 Homecoming Court are Tafari Beard Jr., Aliysha Butler, Kaiden Harris, Cye Hebert, Thomas Moody, Onyeka Nwaezeapu, Trinity Stewart and Gabrielle St. Pierre.
The court recognizes students who have demonstrated leadership and involvement throughout their college careers while representing the University during its annual homecoming celebration.
Homecoming has long been a tradition at UL Lafayette, bringing students, alumni and members of the community together to celebrate their connection to the University. According to UL Lafayette, the Homecoming Court is one of the university’s longstanding traditions, dating back more than 80 years.
Over time, the court has evolved to reflect the University’s student population. The court started off as an all-female court. And in 2018, the University expanded it to include males, creating a more inclusive representation of its student body.
Today, the Homecoming Court remains a central part of the University’s annual celebration, which includes a fashion show, talent show, step show, parade, the homecoming football game and many other activities.
The court also highlights student achievements beyond the classroom, recognizing individuals who contribute to campus life through leadership positions, organizations and other University activities.
“Everyone selected on the homecoming court is just so worthy and qualified,” said Harris when asked about the 2026 Homecoming Court.
The selection process involves student organizations, university leadership and a panel responsible for evaluating nominees.
Registered student organizations and athletic teams can nominate students for the court. A panel consisting of alumni volunteers and student leaders interviews applicants and assigns scores. The 10 nominees with the highest scores earn places on the court, with the highest-scoring female and male applicants named queen and king.
For the selected students, earning a place on the Homecoming Court is an opportunity to represent the University and the organization that supported their nominations.
Lamkin’s involvement in the SGA includes serving as its president. She has also been a member of the SOUL Camp staff and is a member of the Tri Sigma sorority.
For Lamkin, being named homecoming queen was an unexpected honor that brought her college experience full circle. Lamkin said she entered the announcement prepared to celebrate whoever won, never expecting to hear her own name.
“I’m surrounded by such incredible women that I wouldn’t be shocked if anyone got it,” Lamkin said. “And then when I heard my name, I was like, ‘Are we for real?’”
The recognition held special meaning because homecoming played a major role in helping Lamkin feel at home at UL Lafayette. During her freshman year, participating in homecoming activities with her sorority sisters helped her connect with other students and develop a stronger sense of belonging.
“The first thing that really made me know that UL was my school was homecoming freshman year,” Lamkin said.
She described winning queen as a full-circle moment, connecting the recognition she received this year with the experience that first made her feel at home at the university.
Lamkin said her involvement in her sorority, SOUL Camp and SGA helped prepare her for the Homecoming Court application and interview process.
Her sorority introduced her to homecoming traditions and activities, while SOUL Camp helped her learn about the University’s history and traditions. Her experience in SGA also helped her develop communication skills for interviews.
Her experience with homecoming began before she became queen. Lamkin served as homecoming chair the previous year and participated in the activities that helped strengthen her connection to the university.
For students hoping to earn a place on the Homecoming Court, Lamkin emphasized the importance of understanding the University’s history and connecting with its traditions on a personal level. “I think knowing your history and actually caring about it is important,” Lamkin said.
Lamkin encouraged students to become involved on campus even if they have not yet held leadership positions. Her own experience began with being a member of her sorority, attending SOUL Camp and participating in student government meetings before taking on larger leadership roles.
She said students do not have to begin college as leaders to develop meaningful campus experiences. “Just jumping in and having an experience will make your experience here a lot better,” Lamkin said.
Kervin serves as SGA treasurer and Interfraternity Council president. He has also been involved with Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and the Student Orientation Staff.
For Kervin, being named homecoming king was an unexpected recognition after years of involvement at UL Lafayette. Hearing his name, Kervin said he was overwhelmed with happiness as his fraternity brothers and parents cheered from the stands.
“I could hear my fraternity brothers cheering for me in the crowd all the way on the other side of the stadium,” Kervin said.
After spending three and a half years at the University, Kervin described the recognition as a fitting milestone in his college experience.
His time at UL Lafayette has also been shaped by the leadership positions he has held. Kervin said each role has taught him lessons about working with others, addressing problems and keeping people motivated. He said those experiences encouraged him to continue pursuing leadership opportunities while developing his organizational and communication skills.
One of Kervin’s favorite parts of homecoming week is the parade and the preparation that goes into it. He said he and his fraternity brothers stay up late decorating their float before the parade, making the final result especially rewarding.
Although the preparation can involve disagreements, Kervin said seeing the finished float and watching other organizations participate makes the work worthwhile.
For students hoping to join a future Homecoming Court, Kervin emphasized the responsibility that comes with representing the university.
“Just put your best foot forward,” Kervin said, encouraging applicants to be confident in their nominations and remember that they represent the University and its students.
Homecoming is more than a celebration of school spirit. It provides an opportunity for students and alumni to reconnect with the University while celebrating the people and traditions that shape campus life.
As the University celebrates another year of homecoming, the 2026 Court represents the leadership, commitment and school pride that remain important parts of the Ragin’ Cajun experience.