The University of Central Missouri Student Activities Office crowned Junior Alexis Barnes, Senior Derek Walsh and Junior Emma Lock as 2024 UCM Royalty. The three winners were crowned during halftime of the homecoming football game on Oct. 26 at Audrey J. Walton Stadium. 

Senior Derek Walsh ran for homecoming royalty on behalf of the Central Missouri chapter of the Delta Chi fraternity. Walsh is also a member of the UCM Cheer Team. 

“Gosh, [winning] feels amazing. It was a long process. A lot of work was put into homecoming, not only as a cheerleader but in Greek life as well,” Walsh said. Walsh shares his experience leading up to winning homecoming royalty.

“My chapter for real, really helped me out. Same with the cheer team. They’re always there. My family’s here supporting. They love me so much and I love them so much,” Walsh said.

Junior Emma Lock ran for homecoming royalty as a member of the Delta Pi chapter of the Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. Lock is also a member of the UCM Mule Riders team. 

“I’ve worked hard these past two years riding the mule for UCM. This is a good way to get out there and really show what UCM is all about. It’s about family; being a family here at UCM,” Lock said. 

Junior Alexis Barnes represents the Zeta Zeta chapter of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority. Barnes is also a member of the Mulekickers and is involved in various other activities and organizations around campus. 

“It means I’ve prevailed through a lot of hard things. A lot of ups and downs. But I really couldn’t have done it without the backing of my chapter,” Barnes said. Barnes believes that her sorority had an impact on her win. 

“They pushed me to do something that was way out of my comfort zone and it proved to me that I can do hard things,” Barnes said.