PLAINVIEW, TX — Wayland Baptist University announced its 2026 Homecoming court Wednesday, Oct. 21, as the university prepares to recognize distinguished alumni, benefactors, and educators during its fall Homecoming celebration.
The Blue & Gold Awards Banquet takes place at 6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23, in Trinity Building Chapel on the Plainview campus.
“Homecoming brings together the students who are shaping Wayland today and the alumni whose service continues to make us proud,” said Jeffrey Vera, Director of Alumni Relations and Career Services. “We look forward to celebrating our court as they etch their names in Wayland history and to honoring graduates and friends who have already made a lasting difference.”
Homecoming queen candidates are:
Peyton North — a senior Molecular Biology major sponsored by FCA.
Noelle Aguilera — a senior; Management/Marketing major sponsored by the School of Business.
Aracely Ortega — a senior; Criminal Justice-Legal Studies major sponsored by the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences.
Olivia Fischer — a senior; Life Science 7-12 major sponsored by the School of Education and EXSS.
Emily Ackerman — a junior; English Language Arts 7-12 major sponsored by the School of Humanities and Leadership.
Rachel Russell — a senior Biology major sponsored by the School of Mathematics and Sciences.
Jazmin Ortega — a senior Choral Music Education major sponsored by the School of Creative Arts.
Micah Vega — a senior Christian Studies major sponsored by the School of Christian Studies.
Karleigh Licerio — a senior Elementary Education Core Subjects (EC-6) major sponsored by themSchool of Education and EXSS.
Homecoming king candidates are:
Maddox Plazek — a senior Biological Sciences major sponsored by FCA.
Garrett Moseley — a junior Business major sponsored by the School of Business.
Sebastion Balderas — a senior Political Science major sponsored by the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences.
Noah Ingram — a sophomore English/Language Arts 7-12 major sponsored by the School of Education and EXSS.
Carlos Balderas — a junior Spanish major sponsored by the School of Humanities and Leadership.
Jarrett Lynch — a junior Piano Performance major sponsored by the School of Creative Arts.
Friday’s Blue & Gold Awards Banquet will recognize Dr. Phillip Aday, class of 1976, and the Rev. Chris Riley, classes of 1996 and 2008, as Distinguished Alumni.
Randy and Carol Kaufman will receive the Distinguished Benefactor Award. Marisabelle Trevino, class of 2013, will receive the Distinguished Young Alumnus Award.
Anthony Wagner, class of 1996, and Dana West, classes of 1989 and 1992, will be recognized with Pioneer Alumni Educator awards.
“These honorees reflect the achievement, generosity, and commitment to service that we celebrate at Wayland,” Vera said. “We invite classmates, families, and friends to join us as we recognize their contributions.”
For the full Homecoming schedule and registration links, visit https://bit.ly/3W7A4bo
