Jessica Dirkse of Downers Grove crowned Olivet's 2015 Homecoming Queen

2015 Nov 24

Jessica Dirkse of Downers Grove, Illinois became the 61st Homecoming Queen for Olivet Nazarene University during the coronation ceremony on October 21, 2015. Dirkse and the other members of the Homecoming Court were selected by their peers.

Dirkse is a senior majoring in math education with a physical education endorsement. She has a passion for kids and sports, and she hopes to teach middle school math and coach girls' basketball. While at Olivet, she has been a part of Best Buddies and served as a freshman resident assistant for two years. She also enjoys intramural sports. She is the daughter of David and Malinda Dirkse of Downers Grove.

Levi Himes was Jessica's escort. A senior and a ministerial missions major, he is the son of Melissa Tatom and Bradley Himes of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Other members of the Homecoming Court, all seniors, are:

Laura Graven (social work major, Bourbonnais, Illinois), escorted by Jacob Gouge (youth ministry major, Greenville, Illinois)

Joelle Mannion (Christian education and intercultural studies major, Sugar Grove, Illinois), escorted by Kyle Johnston (youth ministry major, Anderson, Indiana)

Megan McKinley (Christian education and intercultural studies major, Sugar Grove, Illinois), escorted by Brandon Maranion (Christian education and communication studies major, South Elgin, Illinois

Katie Reed (social work major, Nairobi, Kenya), escorted by Andrew Fischer (English major, Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape, South Africa)

Olivet's Homecoming Queen and members of her Court have been honored each year since 1955. The Queen is a senior woman chosen by the student body. She is a person of integrity; gives glory to God in her life; helps others feel loved and accepted; and expresses Olivet's academic, social, and spiritual ideals.