WKU News

It’s been a busy week for 22 WKU students vying for the chance to be crowned Coming Home King at halftime of Saturday’s basketball game. WKU's Amy Bingham caught up with them at their service day in this week’s View from the Hill.

• More: List of candidates
  

You might say this year’s service project for the Coming Home King candidates involved a little bit of recruiting. The young college men grabbed a seat at the lunch table of an area elementary school and had a captive audience.

”The kids are really energetic.  I think they really like us being here. “

“They’re so pure of heart and they tell you everything about their day and what they love and what they don’t love so it’s been so fun.”

It’s hard to tell who enjoyed this more…

“It’s fun, it’s really a great experience.”

The students at Rich Pond elementary or the candidates vying for WKU’s Coming Home King.

“Doing the service day as part of the week is really cool because I think it’s really important to give back to the community.” 

Service is at the heart of each of the organizations these young men represent.

“Knowing that the kids look up to us.  Excited to see new faces and the way we get to engage with them and talk about school.”

“I think anytime that we can put college aged kids in front of elementary students I think that’s definitely a win/win for everybody.”

For one of the candidates it was a chance to return to his alma mater.

“I haven’t been here since I graduated back in 2010 I think.  It brings back so many memories too because I haven’t been here in so long.  Everything looks so small, I guess cause how I’m a big kid I guess.”

Sing-alongs, tying shoes, you name it….

“I’ve been asked if I’m a dad or a substitute teacher.”

These candidates were here for it.

“I found a couple of Star Wars fans, I’m a big Star Wars fan so it was fun to talk to some guys about Star Wars.”

And no matter who gets the crown, these guys say they’ve already won.

“To be here with these kids and all the other candidates.  They’re good guys, just get to know everybody, it’s an honor.”

Coming Home King is a tradition that started back in the year 2000. The candidates and guests will attend a banquet prior to Saturday afternoon’s basketball game and the winner will be crowned at halftime.