Multicolored, fluorescent lights flooded the Homecoming dance floor on Nov. 2. Amidst the number of Cavaliers ready to enjoy themselves, one duo stood in the spotlight as they were named to the 2024 Homecoming Court. Seniors Evan Noval and Melissa Hernandez were named Homecoming king and queen, but their chemistry did not stop at the dance floor.
“It was like all eyes were on us [before homecoming] with the video and everything. The moment we received our crown was a green light moment because all the teachers and people that voted for us were there to witness it. It is a moment that I will never forget,” senior Evan Noval said.
Their roots started as early as childhood where Noval and Hernandez both participated in the Little Cavalier program. Since experiencing the school as playmates, these individuals have emerged into prominent leaders at Coral Gables Senior High School.
To begin, Hernandez studies in the rigorous International Baccalaureate program, while still making room for her extracurriculars. She serves as the Student Council Vice President and co-captain of the Gables cheerleading team, where she performs impressive stunts and contributes to the Gables community. She is also a frequent contributor to CavsConnect, the fastest producing publication on campus. Meanwhile, Noval also balances his IB work-life with his commitments to be a peer-health educator for the Health Information Project and an experienced cornerback for the varsity football team.
“I’m known as the only IB kid in football and a nuisance for teachers in the classroom. I am also a proud advocate for HIP. Melissa and I lead different lives, but they are also similar to our class because we both do what interests us,” senior Evan Noval said.
The connection between Noval and Hernandez can be witnessed during football games, as both boost Gables morale and attempt to lead the Cavaliers to victory. While Noval makes vicious tackles, Hernandez cheers from the sidelines, energizing the players around them, as well as the supporting crowd.
The determined couple got to work before Homecoming, advertising their courtly campaign. Unlike other candidates running for homecoming court, Noval and Hernandez filmed a promotional video that was published on the cheerleading team’s Instagram. The duo gathered clips showing seniors that supported them and had things in common with the future homecoming king and queen, endorsing them as their pair of choice.
“I think we were the only duo that did a campaign. We advertised it pretty well on social media platforms, which helped with the campaign process. We wanted to stand out and be on the extra level by promoting our names,” senior Melissa Hernandez said.
During the Homecoming Dance, attendees casted their votes for their favorite nominees. Noval and Hernandez waited anxiously until their moment arrived. Surrounded by the people who supported them, Noval and Hernandez were shocked to hear their names be enshrined into Gables history.
“I was right next to Melissa, and our friend group was so anxious waiting for the announcement. When they called Evan’s name, we were hoping they’d win together…the second they said their name, we were all jumping and cheering for her,” senior Emma Rivera said.
The duo received their crowns and came together for a slow dance to “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran. Noval and Hernandez relished in their moment of achievement, capturing their memories by taking a myriad of photos together. Noval and Hernandez’s bond blossomed into their Homecoming courtship, capturing their relationship and the legacy it holds in Gables history.
