The energy was electric as UK’s homecoming royalty stepped onto Kroger Field.

But the deafening cheers and palpable excitement from the crowd couldn’t compare to the energy shared by this year’s twelve homecoming court nominees in the moments before they made their appearance.

The members of the court cheered along to the UK fight song and embraced each other repeatedly as they waited beneath the stands for the crowning ceremony.

At halftime, they marched out together, two by two. When they returned, two nominees had become homecoming royalty.

Tiana Thé, UK’s 2018 Homecoming Queen, described the moment of her crowning as “surreal.”

“Everyone on the Court was so deserving,” Thé said. “It’s been so much fun. Everyone on the court just has a heart of gold.”

Juwan Page, UK’s 2018 Homecoming King, echoed appreciation for the court members.

“I looked up to a few individuals [on the court] already,” Page said. “I definitely grew closer with them through this.”

Thé, who was nominated by Kappa Alpha Theta, was so surprised by her win that her partner, Riley Grant, had to nudge her forward when her name was called.

“I really can’t believe that it’s happening,” The said. “I love UK so much and I’m so honored.”

Page was nominated by the Black Student Union. Last year he attended Homecoming as Mr. Black UK. He said he appreciated the opportunity to return, this time as a member of the court.

“I’m going to try not to get emotional,” Page said. “But I’m a junior right now… I get another year to be an asset and resource to this campus and I don’t take that lightly.”

After a week of festivities, Thé and Page’s crowning signals the end of UK’s 2018 homecoming week.