30 Winterfest royalty candidates introduced

This year’s candidates for Carson High School’s Winterfest king and queen were announced during a school assembly Tuesday.

“It’s pretty awesome,” said Kyle Sharp, 17. “You have the whole school’s eyes on you.”

Zoey Gray, 18, wasn’t so sure that was a good thing.

“I’m pretty nervous,” she said. “Just being in front of the entire school. A lot of them, especially the younger kids, don’t know you. It’s pretty scary.”

The candidates, who this year include representatives from all classes, were nominated by their classmates.

“It’s an honor,” said Kenzie Bales, 17. “You realize that you’re noticed.”

Winners will be announced during halftime of Friday’s basketball game against Galena High School, and the week will culminate with a Sadie Hawkins Dance in Senator Square on Saturday.

Kandis Tuttle, 17, a queen candidate, waited until Tuesday’s assembly to ask Andy Cooper to be her date to the dance in front of the entire student body.

“He’s like my best friend,” she said. “It was very unexpected. He had no idea I was going to do it.”

Several activities are planned during the week, including dress-up days and a night of roller skating.

“It’s dope sauce,” said Aaron Cowee, 18. “It’s just fun to be a part of it all.”

And it will make for some good memories.

“For the rest of our lives, we get to say we were candidates,” said Jared Akers, 17.”