Southside High School’s Junior Homecoming maids for 2025 are bustling with excitement as the homecoming game is approaching. The homecoming maids representing the junior class are Natali Espinosa, Kaitlyn Fairbairn, Richlyn Cummins, and Karlee Rusin. They are all excited to represent the junior class and dress up for this year!

Kaitlyn Fairbairn is a Junior at Southside High School and is involved in DECA, FCCLA, Hearts in Action, and Red Shoe Club. She says her aunt, who had also run for Junior Homecoming maid when she attended Southside, made her decide to run.

Fairbairn says, “Homecoming to me means showing your club or organizations to the school so people can join. Also, we get to dress up in a big, pretty dress?! Yes, please!”

Fairbairn says she “was flabbergasted” when she found out she got Junior Homecoming Maid. Initially, she was doubtful that she was going to get the position because she “was running up against so many known and pretty girls!” At the pep rally, she is being escorted by football player William West, and at the ceremony, by her father, Nick Hawkins.

Richlyn Commins is involved in Delta Beta Sigma and in the Varsity Cheer team. She had known she had wanted to be a homecoming maid at least once in her high school career. She says her friends encouraged her to apply for homecoming maid. 

“To me, I think homecoming means getting to spend time with your friends and making fun memories while doing that!” Commins says.

Cummins was very excited when she found out that she had been selected as a Junior Homecoming Maid. She was excited when she found out who was running with her. At the pep rally, she is being escorted by tennis player Vince La Torre, and, at the game, by her father, Cliff Cabaness.

Karlee Rusin is involved in the Southside Southern Belles, Red Shoe Club, and Delta Beta Sigma. Rusin applied to become a homecoming maid because she wanted to represent her junior class and thought it would be a fun experience. Rusin was excited when she heard her name announced as one of the Junior maids. 

Rusin said, “I jumped up and down and ran to tell my parents.” Homecoming is more than just a game to her; it’s an opportunity for the entire school to come together and become closer to one another. At the homecoming game, Rusin is being escorted by her father, Pete Rusin, and at the pep rally, football player Layden Rowe.

Natali Espinosa is involved in Southern Belles, FCCLA, Hearts In Action, Delta Beta Sigma, Habitat for Humanity, and Junior Council. She applied to run for homecoming maid because she thought she would be a good candidate, and she wanted to represent the Belles.  Espinosa says, “The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of homecoming is, depending on football or basketball, the hoco game.” 

 When she heard her name over the intercom announcing that she was one of the Junior maids, she was both relieved and excited. She says homecoming teaches her to be better and how to be a better Maverick. At the pep rally, she is being escorted by football player Damon Bridges, and at the game, by her brother, Abraham Artaga.

The 2025 Junior homecoming maids are excited to represent their class, create memories, and gain friendships. Being a homecoming maid is their way of showing school spirit! These maids will not only represent their class, but also show the values of involvement in the school. 

As these maids celebrate, they emphasize the value of community and friendship during this season.