Ten ACU women were “kidnapped” Wednesday, taken to a secret location, and learned they had been chosen as nominees for this year’s homecoming queen.

Samantha Adkins, senior alumni relations officer said the nullification of the first round of homecoming court nominations delayed the traditional kidnapping, which was originally planned for the evening of Sept. 28.

“Initially, with the way nominations went and us having to have a second nomination process, we had to adjust the timeframe and the way we were going to do the kidnapping,” Adkins said.

“We’ve been on this timeframe before, last year homecoming was a week early, but we’ve never had to do a second nomination process, which is what really threw us off. It really made us reevaluate how we do nominations,” Adkins said.

Adkins also said that the homecoming committee will probably find a new way to conduct queen nominations for future homecomings, starting next year.

Kelsi Wicks, animal science major from Tyler and Alpha Kai Omega president, said that the suspension of the first nominations definitely changed her outlook on the process of selecting a homecoming queen.

“All of the campaigning really was getting out of hand, and the girls who get nominated should be the best representatives of the entire senior class, not just their individual clubs,” Wicks said.

“I honestly completely supported the revote. I feel like it encouraged others to reevaluate their decisions and vote for individuals that have made some type of positive impact in their life, or in the lives of others,” said Kelsey Davis of Ko Jo Kai, management major from San Angelo.

Despite the initial problems with campaigning, the group of girls resulting from a second round of court nominations seem to represent what the Alumni Relations office asks of their ACU’s homecoming queens – students who embody the values and mission of the university.

“I have always enjoyed finding opportunities to get involved on campus and have eagerly become part of various places where I could be in fellowship with other students,” Davis said. “One of my most valued organizations that I’ve been blessed to be a part of is LYNAY. This group in particular has taught me to always strive to love your neighbor as yourself.”

“Since I came to ACU, I have been very involved on campus,” Wicks said. “I have been involved in band, spring break campaigns, welcome week, Honors College, ag club, and Delta Tau Alpha, as well as Alpha Kai Omega. My parents were very excited when I told them the news. I am an only child, and they have always been very supportive of anything I’ve been involved in.”

Women of the court insist that feelings of loyalty to members of certain social clubs, while present, will not determine the winner of the homecoming queen race.

“A lot of the women on court are involved in social clubs, but rarely is that the only thing they are involved in,” said Morgan Myer, psychology major from Richardson and GATA president. “They are known for their service and leadership in multiple areas on campus so I think that persuades people to nominate them.”

“My mom is an ACU alum, [she] made me tell her every activity I would be involved in and I know they are all already on her calendar. She loves ACU, so to have a daughter on court is so, so exciting for her,” said Myer.

Adkins said that this year’s kidnapping was no different than previous years. Finding the girls went as planned, and everyone seemed to have fun.

“It went really well, the girls were all really excited,” Adkins said. “What I realized is I don’t get as much time to get to know them this year because of the time frame and everything that’s happened, but I’m still very excited for them.

“Christian role models who I look up to have taught me that our rewards for living a life for Christ will be given to us in heaven. Yet when we receive a reward or recognition from our peers is it very uplifting,” Davis said.

The nominees will be announced to ACU for the first time Friday during chapel. After that, the court’s duties and appearances will mostly take place the Friday and Saturday of homecoming week, including a queen’s tea, riding in the homecoming parade, and the announcement of the winner at Saturday’s football game.

2011 Homecoming Court

• Amy Archer, nursing major from Austin
• Sarah Beardsley, family studies major from Keller
• Arielle Collier, vocal performance major from Mesquite
• Katie Cupit, exercise science/pre-physical therapy major from San Antonio
• Erin Daugherty, English major from Stephenville
• Kelsey Davis, organizational management major from San Angelo
• Ravanne Harris, management and marketing major from Katy
• Morgan Myer, psychology major from Richardson
• Corri Anne Wesley, advertising and public relations major from Amarillo
• Kelsi Wicks, animal science/pre-vet major from Tyler