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Homecoming Court Self Nomination Interest Form due by 3:45 p.m. TOMORROW

Posted Date: 09/02/26 (03:43 PM)
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Homecoming Court Info Packet (if you need to print to bring to school signed by student and parent):
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IeIwPZxOZPmdz3KcPfOtulCsmag1CwOWWd7y2t8Vms0/edit?usp=sharing

See list of who has turned in form: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Vi0d4f7mYkTXx0KHAsnL18rSAHYSEl-8GbeQMTHA8dM/edit?usp=sharing

Hardin High School Homecoming Court Guidelines

Hardin High School Student Council & HHS Administration

Participation in the Hardin High School Homecoming Court is an honor. Students selected for the court represent Hardin High School and are expected to demonstrate good character, school pride, responsibility, and respectful conduct throughout the Homecoming process.

By submitting an application for Homecoming Court, students and their parent/guardian acknowledge that they have read, understand, and agree to follow all guidelines outlined below.


Article 1. Homecoming Court Eligibility

To apply for or serve on the Hardin High School Homecoming Court, students must meet all applicable eligibility requirements.

General Eligibility

  1. Students must be currently enrolled at Hardin High School.

  2. Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the time of application and must remain in good standing throughout the Homecoming Court process.

  3. Students who have received ISS (In-School Suspension), OSS (Out-of-School Suspension), or DAEP placement during the current school year are not eligible to serve on the Homecoming Court.

  4. Students are expected to maintain appropriate behavior and conduct consistent with the standards of Hardin High School.

  5. Eligibility will be reviewed and verified by HHS Administration before a student's name is placed on a ballot.

  6. A student who becomes academically or disciplinarily ineligible after being placed on a ballot or selected for the court may be removed at the discretion of HHS Administration.

Additional Senior Eligibility

  1. Only members of the Hardin High School senior class are eligible to run for Homecoming King or Homecoming Queen.



Article 2. Homecoming Court Applications

  1. All students who wish to be considered for the Homecoming Court must complete an official Homecoming Court Application/Self-Nomination Form.

  2. This requirement applies to:

    • Senior Homecoming King and Queen candidates

    • Junior class attendant candidates

    • Sophomore class attendant candidates

    • Freshman class attendant candidates

  3. Applications must be picked up from Mrs. Key during the designated application period.

  4. Each application must be signed out when picked up and signed back in when returned.

  5. Applications must be completed in full and include all required student and parent/guardian signatures.

  6. Applications must be returned to Mrs. Key by the published deadline.

  7. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

  8. Submitting an application does not automatically guarantee placement on a ballot. Eligibility must first be verified.

  9. Once eligibility has been verified, the applicant's name will be placed on the appropriate grade-level ballot.


Article 3. Senior Homecoming Court Selection

The senior Homecoming Court will be determined through a two-part voting process.

Senior Class Election

  1. All eligible senior applicants will be placed on the initial Senior Homecoming Court ballot.

  2. Only members of the Hardin High School senior class may vote in the initial senior election.

  3. Senior students will vote for three male candidates for Homecoming King and three female candidates for Homecoming Queen.

  4. The top three to five vote-getters in each category will advance as the official Homecoming King and Queen finalists.

  5. The number of finalists may be determined based on the number of eligible applicants and voting results, but will not exceed five candidates in each category.

  6. Results will be tallied and verified by the HHS Student Council Sponsor and HHS Administration.

Senior Finalist Speeches

  1. The senior finalists will participate in a brief candidate speech during the designated lunch period.

  2. Speech expectations and time limits will be provided to finalists by the HHS Student Council Sponsor.

  3. Speeches must be positive, respectful, school-appropriate, and focused on the individual candidate.

  4. Candidates may not criticize, embarrass, make negative references to, or attempt to discredit another candidate during their speech.

  5. Candidate speeches are an official Homecoming activity and are not considered campaigning or advertising.


Article 4. Homecoming King and Queen Election

  1. Following the selection of the senior finalists, the names of the finalists will be placed on the official Homecoming King and Queen ballot.

  2. The entire Hardin High School student body will vote for Homecoming King and Homecoming Queen during the designated Homecoming voting period.

  3. The male finalist receiving the highest number of votes will be named Homecoming King.

  4. The female finalist receiving the highest number of votes will be named Homecoming Queen.

  5. In the event of a tie, the results of the initial senior class election will serve as the tiebreaker. The candidate who received the higher vote total during the senior class election will be awarded the position.

  6. Votes will be tallied and verified by the HHS Student Council Sponsor and HHS Administration.

  7. Any individual with a familial relationship to a candidate will be excluded from tallying or verifying results involving that election.

  8. Election results will remain confidential.

  9. The names of the Homecoming King and Queen will be secured until the Homecoming football game.

  10. The Homecoming King and Queen will be announced and crowned during halftime of the Homecoming football game.


Article 5. Underclassmen Homecoming Court Attendants

One male and one female student from each underclassmen grade level will serve as attendants on the Hardin High School Homecoming Court.

Application Process

  1. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who wish to be considered for Homecoming Court must pick up and complete the official Homecoming Court Application/Self-Nomination Form.

  2. Applications must be returned by the published deadline with all required signatures.

  3. Each applicant's eligibility will be verified before their name is placed on a ballot.

  4. All eligible applicants will be placed on the ballot for their respective grade level.

Class Voting

  1. Students will vote only for Homecoming Court attendant candidates within their own grade level.

  2. Freshmen will vote for freshman attendants.

  3. Sophomores will vote for sophomore attendants.

  4. Juniors will vote for junior attendants.

  5. The male and female candidate receiving the highest number of votes in each grade level will be named that class's Homecoming Court attendants.

  6. Underclassmen candidates will not give candidate speeches.

  7. The application and grade-level ballot process will serve as the method for underclassmen students to seek selection by their peers.

  8. Votes will be tallied and verified by the HHS Student Council Sponsor and/or HHS Administration.

  9. Any individual with a familial relationship to a candidate will be excluded from tallying or verifying results involving that election.



Article 6. Campaigning and Advertising

Campaigning and advertising for Homecoming Court candidates at Hardin High School are not permitted.

The Homecoming Court election is intended to provide a fair and consistent opportunity for all eligible candidates without creating an advantage based on money, materials, advertising, or access to school resources.

  1. Candidates may not campaign or advertise for themselves or another Homecoming Court candidate at school.

  2. Campaign posters, flyers, banners, signs, buttons, stickers, handouts, candy, food, gifts, promotional items, or other campaign materials may not be displayed or distributed at school.

  3. No campaign materials may be placed in classrooms, hallways, restrooms, common areas, offices, parking areas, athletic facilities, or other areas of the HHS campus.

  4. Candidates may not use instructional time to campaign or advertise.

  5. Candidates may not leave class to conduct election-related activities unless specifically authorized by HHS Administration or the HHS Student Council Sponsor.

  6. Teachers, coaches, sponsors, staff members, and other Hardin ISD employees may not actively campaign for or publicly endorse a Homecoming Court candidate while acting in their official school capacity.

  7. Friends, family members, classmates, teammates, organizations, and other supporters may not campaign or advertise at school on behalf of a candidate.

  8. Candidates may not provide or arrange for food, candy, gifts, prizes, or other items to be distributed at school for the purpose of gaining votes.

  9. Negative campaigning is prohibited. Candidates and their supporters may not harass, intimidate, bully, embarrass, spread inappropriate information about, or attempt to discredit another candidate.

  10. Candidates are expected to discourage their supporters from violating these rules on their behalf.

  11. Official Homecoming activities organized or approved by HHS Student Council or HHS Administration—including official photographs, candidate biographies, introductions, and senior finalist speeches—are not considered campaigning or advertising.

  12. Violation of these rules may result in removal from the ballot or Homecoming Court at the discretion of HHS Administration.


Article 7. Candidate & Court Member Conduct

  1. Homecoming Court candidates and selected court members are representatives of Hardin High School.

  2. Students are expected to conduct themselves respectfully and appropriately throughout the nomination, voting, and Homecoming process.

  3. Students must demonstrate good sportsmanship regardless of election results.

  4. Harassment, bullying, retaliation, intimidation, or inappropriate behavior directed toward another candidate or court member will not be tolerated.

  5. Students may not encourage others to engage in conduct that would violate these guidelines.

  6. Court members are expected to cooperate with the HHS Student Council Sponsor and HHS Administration regarding photographs, biographies, rehearsals, ceremonies, and other Homecoming activities.

  7. Failure to follow these expectations may result in removal from the ballot or Homecoming Court at the discretion of HHS Administration.


Article 8. Formal Attire & Appearance

Homecoming Court members are expected to wear appropriate formal attire for the Homecoming ceremony.

Ladies' Formal Attire

  • Formal dress or gown

  • Strapless dresses are permitted provided appropriate coverage is maintained.

  • Open-back dresses are permitted; however, the back may not extend excessively low.

  • The front of the dress may not be excessively low-cut or revealing.

  • Dresses with exposed stomachs, midriffs, or significant cutouts must receive prior approval with the Student Council Advisor

  • Undergarments may not be visible.

  • See-through apparel is not permitted.

  • Dress or skirt slits may not extend above mid-thigh.

  • Attire must provide appropriate coverage and comply with HHS expectations.

  • Flats or low heels are strongly encouraged due to safety concerns associated with walking on the football field.

Gentlemen's Formal Attire

  • Tuxedo or suit; or

  • Dress pants with a dress shirt, tie or bow tie, and dress jacket

  • Dress shoes or dress boots must be worn.

  • Tennis shoes and flip-flops are not permitted.

  • Attire and grooming must comply with applicable HHS expectations.

General Appearance

All Homecoming Court attire and appearance must comply with applicable Hardin High School and Hardin ISD dress and grooming requirements.

Questions regarding the appropriateness of attire should be addressed with Mrs. Key before Homecoming Night.


Article 9. Financial Responsibility

Participation on the Hardin High School Homecoming Court may involve personal expenses.

  1. Students and their parent/guardian should consider the potential financial responsibilities associated with participation before submitting an application.

  2. Expenses may include, but are not limited to:

    • Formal attire

    • Shoes

    • Accessories

    • Grooming or personal preparation

    • Pep Rally Wagons

    • Other optional personal expenses associated with participation

  3. All personal expenses associated with participation on the Homecoming Court are the responsibility of the student and/or the student's parent/guardian.

  4. Hardin High School and Hardin ISD are not responsible for purchasing or reimbursing personal Homecoming Court expenses.

  5. By submitting a Homecoming Court application, the student and parent/guardian acknowledge and accept the financial responsibilities that may accompany participation if the student is selected.


Article 10. Required Homecoming Court Participation

Students selected for the Homecoming Court are expected to participate fully in designated Homecoming activities.

Certain activities will be identified as mandatory.

Required activities may include: (see below where you sign)

  • Official Homecoming Court photographs (third week of September) (must wear school colors)

  • Submission of candidate biographies and requested information - September 20, 2026

  • Homecoming hall decorating - September 20, 2026

  • Homecoming Bonfire - September 24, 2026

  • Homecoming Pep Rally - September 25, 2026

  • Homecoming Tailgate - September 25, 2026

  • Homecoming Court rehearsal or organizational meetings - September 24, 2026

  • Homecoming football game and halftime ceremony - September 25, 2026

  • Other activities designated in the official Homecoming Court schedule

Students should review the official schedule before accepting a position on the Homecoming Court.

If a student has a legitimate conflict with a mandatory activity, the student must communicate with Mrs. Key as soon as possible. Approval of an absence will be determined by HHS Administration and/or the HHS Student Council Sponsor.

Failure to attend or participate in required activities without prior approval may result in removal from the Homecoming Court.


Article 11. Election Integrity & Final Authority

  1. Homecoming Court elections will be conducted through the voting method established by HHS Student Council and HHS Administration.

  2. Students may cast only the votes permitted for their grade level and election.

  3. Attempts to manipulate voting, vote on behalf of another student, improperly access voting forms, or otherwise interfere with the integrity of an election are prohibited.

  4. Election results will be based on eligible votes received by the established deadline.

  5. Election results will be verified by the HHS Student Council Sponsor and/or HHS Administration.

  6. Individuals with a familial relationship to a candidate will not participate in tallying or verifying the election involving that candidate.

  7. Decisions regarding eligibility, election procedures, rule violations, unusual circumstances, and interpretation of these guidelines will be made by Hardin High School Administration in consultation with the HHS Student Council Sponsor.

  8. Decisions regarding Homecoming Court eligibility and election results are final.
















Hardin High School Homecoming Court
Self-Nomination Interest Form


I, (print name) __________________________________________________, am interested in having my name placed on the ballot for the 2026 Homecoming Court.

By signing below, I acknowledge that:

  • I understand and agree to follow the eligibility rules and requirements set forth by Hardin High School.

  • I commit to representing Hardin High School with pride, respect, and school spirit if selected as a member of the court.


Student Signature: ______________________________________________________________________

Parent Signature: ______________________________________________________________________

Date: _____________________________                 Student Grade Level:  _____________


August 31, 2026:  Self  Nomination Opens  for Homecoming Candidates (see Mrs. Key to get packets)


September 3, 2026: Self Nomination forms due to Mrs. Key by 3:45 p.m.


September 4, 2026:  Voting for Homecoming Candidates Opens (Google Forms - will record email addresses to keep election records)


September 8, 2026: Voting for Homecoming Candidates Closes (3:45 p.m.)


September 9, 2026: Homecoming Candidates Announced

*September 15, 2026: Official Homecoming Court photographs (third week of September) (must wear school colors)

*September 15th and 16th: HOCO Senior Queen/King Court Speeches 

Thursday, September 17th and 18th: Voting for Senior HOCO Queen/King

September 20, 2026: Submission of candidate biographies and requested information

*September 20, 2026: Homecoming Hall Decorating

*September 24, 2026: Homecoming Court rehearsal (during Band Period)

*September 24, 2026: Homecoming Bonfire

*September 25, 2026: Homecoming Pep Rally

*September 25, 2026: Homecoming Tailgate

*September 25, 2026: Homecoming football game and halftime ceremony

Other activities designated in the official Homecoming Court schedule