The editorial emphasized that Homecoming used to be a tradition for all, but now only select students uphold the importance of this annual event, that only a select group of students care about elections and that the general student body wishes to be left alone by the Greek community and those members campaigning for their individual representatives.

However, this is not the case. Homecoming is still a time-honored tradition for many members of the Virginia Tech community.

Along with the anticipation of elections, welcoming back alumni and old friends is a highlight for numerous students during the Homecoming weekend. It is unfair and unkind to say that only a select group of students really care who wins the Homecoming elections. Also, it is heartbreaking to think that these model students and leaders are not worth your time or you do not care to know who they are. These are the leaders in your own community and university who deserve recognition.

 Candidates go through a rigorous application and interview process after they are nominated by their respective organizations. Becoming a member of the court is a huge honor. All organizations at Virginia Tech are welcome to nominate candidates with the hopes of being elected to the Homecoming court; however, only a select few are chosen. It is by mere coincidence that the Greek community has the majority of representatives.

If anyone took the time to listen to candidates this year or those campaigning in their favor, they would know that various organizations on this campus, other than fraternities and sororities, were represented. Therefore, it is not only the Greek community that cares about the results of the election.

Many students want to see their peers recognized for great accomplishments, especially those who are close friends with candidates or those that feel the importance in acknowledging the achievements of leaders at our university.

I am not sorry for anyone who saw a T-shirt, read a banner or viewed a Facebook picture they didn't want to because it was a form of Homecoming propaganda. I am not sorry for anyone who was handed a flier or asked to check out and vote for a candidate on the court, nor am I sorry that someone bombarded you with information about leaders of this campus. But, I am sorry if you did not take the time to find out that our 2008 Homecoming court consisted of students with the following credentials:

A student government and class president, a student chosen to represent the entire university in an interview with Matt Lauer after April 16, Ring Design Committee Members, Relay for Life and Big Event Chairs, Hokie Camp Counselors, a Big Brother volunteer, Orientation Leaders, Special Olympics Volunteers, a VTTV anchor, College Ambassadors, Coordinators of the Hokies for Huskies and Hokies United Relief Efforts, students responsible for the organization of the candlelight vigil after April 16, Resident advisors, a high school tutor, a middle school tutor, multicultural organization leaders, a student who received a $5,500 grant for our university to help students that wished to visit NIU, religious organization leaders, varsity level athletes, premed and straight-A students, Business Horizon chairs and members, girl scout volunteers, VTU volunteers, and Collegiate Times writers.

It is extremely unfortunate that some students did not feel the importance of this annual event. Shouldn't honoring the leaders of Virginia Tech mean something to its students? And why shouldn't organizations be proud of those they represent? I am ashamed that students felt that campaigning was unnecessary and these are not accomplishments worthy of general knowledge.

I hate to think that some students did not feel that the tradition of Homecoming was upheld, but maybe those students should re-evaluate the meaning of Homecoming. If our annual tradition of welcoming back alumni and honoring students with amazing achievements isn't good enough, I don't know what is.

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