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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.