Homecoming
Join us on Saturday, February 21, 2026 as we celebrate Homecoming at 7:00 p.m. in
the West Plains Civic Center.
2025 Homecoming King, Ryan Steinbrink, and 2025 Queen, Jayanna Draper will be crowning
the 2026 Homecoming King and Queen. Free hors d’oeuvres will be served at halftime for all students, faculty, staff, alumni,
and guests.
Voting for King and Queen Candidates will be open February 16th - 20th.
After reviewing the candidates below, Vote for your Grizzly Homecoming King and Queen
Introducing the Queen Candidates

Michelle Robles
Hometown: West Plains, Missouri
Major: Nursing
Sponsored by: Student Government Association
I am proud to be a Grizzly because this campus, considering it isn’t a very big one,
is so welcoming and almost feels like family. My most rewarding experience here at
Missouri State University - West Plains was winning the election to become the Student
Government Association Vice President because it reminded me to put myself out there
and great things can happen. Being a potential Homecoming Queen Candidate means a
lot to me, as it reflects the growth that I have been through here - academically,
socially, and personally. It also means I get to represent my school with pride as
a proud Grizzly

Michaela Grannemann
Hometown: Hermann, Missouri
Major: Elementary Education
Sponsored by: Christian Campus House
My involvement at Missouri State University–West Plains has played a major role in
shaping my college experience. I have been active in Christian Campus House, Student
Government Association, Student Ambassador, Ascend Ally, as a member of the Grizzly
Cheer team, and more! Through these organizations, I developed leadership, teamwork,
and communication skills while having the chance to build building meaningful connections
within the campus community. I am proud to be a Grizzly because Missouri State University
- West Plains promotes a welcoming community, which encourages involvement, leadership,
and personal growth. The environment being supportive has given me the opportunity
to build strong relationships with peers, faculty, and staff while also feeling encouraged
to succeed.

Joslyne Wooster
Hometown: Lee’s Summit, Missouri
Major: Health Professions
Sponsored by: Grizzly Cheer Team
Joining the Grizzly Cheer team as a freshman who was completely new to West Plains
gave me this feeling that I have a greater purpose than I had before. It gave me a
community of girls that I can rely on and allows me to confidently say that the relationships
between us all will be long lasting. I am eternally grateful for this small group
of girls that I never knew I needed They have made my first semester of college such
an amazing experience. To be able to represent MSU West Plains as Homecoming Queen
would be an incredible honor. Being a candidate would reassure me that all my efforts
to be a light in each person's day that I pass is worth the extra mile to give a quick
compliment, or even make small conversation when someone might least expect it. I
am proud to be a Grizzly because of how much of an impact this school has had on me
in such a short amount of time. Coming to West Plains was a very last minute decision
for me. I was scared, I didn’t know what to expect moving four hours away from home
and still having so much uncertainty about my future. But I decided to take a risk
and tryout for the cheer team, and I could not be more happy with that decision.

Aubrey Hull
Hometown: Bloomfield, Missouri
Major: Health Professions
Sponsored by: Student Ambassadors
My involvement at Missouri State University–West Plains has impacted my life in ways
I experience every day. Through the Ambassador program and being a Grizzly Cheerleader,
I’ve met incredible people who have become some of my closest friends. Being part
of these groups, along with other campus organizations, has pushed me to step outside
of my comfort zone and grow both personally and professionally. These experiences
have helped shape who I am and have motivated me to become a better, more confident
person. I truly can’t express enough gratitude for this school and the opportunities
it has given me. The people, programs, and sense of community at MSU–West Plains have
made my college experience unforgettable and incredibly meaningful.

Emma Jett
Hometown: Jefferson City, Missouri
Major: General Studies
Sponsored by: ASCEND
I am proud to be a Grizzly because I am able to be involved in so many events such
as Homecoming, but also socialize through Christian Campus House and events hosted
by SGA. Not being from the area, I have found West Plains is a place I can grow my
education and career path, while feeling safe and supported. It is an honor to represent
the ASCEND program as well as the University. I work hard and it shows that it pays
off to stay focused and understand there are people who see my potential.
Introducing the King Candidates

Elden Vierzba
Hometown: Saint Charles, Missouri
Major: General Studies
Sponsored by: Christian Campus House
My involvement with the university has had a tremendous impact on my college career,
especially my involvement with my sponsoring organization, Christian Campus House.
Through this organization, I have made numerous friends, including but not limited
to Stephen Dulaney, Campus Minister, and Douglass Cooley II, CCH advisor and Assitant
Director of Student Life and Development. Throughout my time with Christian Campus
House, they have helped me grow into a person I thought just a few years ago was never
possible, forming valuable relationships with the people I am proud to call my great
friends. Being a potential Homecoming King means so much to me. It means to me that
I was chosen out of a large group of people to represent our organization, Christian
Campus House, at the 2026 Homecoming.

Seth Roush
Hometown: West Plains, Missouri
Major: General Studies
Sponsored by: ASCEND
Potentially being Homecoming King is a really big deal as I get to make my family
and the ASCEND program proud. People have told me I am a great example of an MSU Grizzly.
I have been invlolved in the community by I volunteering at West Vue nursing home,
Birthday Blessings, and helping SGA with shopping for Christmas presents.

Cooper Vaughan
Hometown: Norwood, Missouri
Major: General Studies
Sponsored by: Grizzly Basketball Team
I play basketball team, which has allowed me to meet new people and coaches. I think
the school really cares about the students and their staff. Meeting new people and
making new friends is probably my most rewarding experience so far.

Jack Rutledge
Hometown: West Plains, Missouri
Major: Health Professions
Sponsored by: Student Ambassadors
My involvement in the organizations I take part in has impacted me so much in my college
career at MSU-WP. Being a Student Ambassador has made me able to meet so many amazing
people and create new bonds going forward. Also being a part of Student Government
Association, I feel like I have a voice for the sake of my fellow students. Being
involved here at MSU-WP has really impacted my college experience and my life in general.

Logan Mullins
Hometown: Willow Springs, Missouri
Major: Criminal Justice
Sponsored by: Student Government Association
I am currently enrolled in my second semester of college and I can already say that
my college career is starting off strong. From the moment the first day of class rolled
around, I told myself that I was going to try as hard as I can in everything I do.
Because of that goal, I have put myself forward in as many groups and interactions
as I could which caused me to have several opportunities that I otherwise would not
have had. Because of this homecoming nomination, I feel as though I accomplished my
goal of becoming someone anyone can talk to because I never would have gotten this
far without the people who helped me on my journey. I am proud to be a Grizzly because
they represent kindness and quality people. Almost every single person I have met
who attends this college have been extremely kind and personable, and I find it easy
to talk to anyone here. Even walking down the halls, it is easy to strike up a conversation
with a stranger and talk about your experiences.