As the lights darken, the few whoops and shouts of the crowd begin to build until they culminate into a cheering that is almost deafening. Through the darkness, movement can be seen, and, in an instant, blinding lights flash on, revealing the five homecoming king candidates of 2012 in athletic attire and brightly-colored socks.

These kind of eccentric activities would be odd for a normal school day, but, for the annual king pageant, this is ordinary and expected by the student body. Showcasing the senior candidates’ aptitude in areas like dancing, bashing and flirting, this long-awaited occasion took place in Ground Zero after classes concluded on a rally schedule, Oct. 14.

Beginning with “All of the Lights” by Kanye West, the traditional king dance opened the pageant, as each nominee slid onto center stage. In time, the candidates advanced to their own song and dance-solo: Trevor York with “Feeling Good,” by Michael Bubl