The gym was dark and the bleachers crowded as a spotlight drifted over people’s heads, searching for the next Mayfete royal. Next year’s ASB president Kate Scipio del Campo and vice president Olivia Trujillo were trading off outlining a person’s life story, starting from the city they were born in and the schools they attended. In total, 10 seniors were selected to be Mayfete royals based on their commitment to community service and embodiment of the Laker spirit.

This year’s royals are Nina Beale, Gabriel Boyd, Robbie Durbin, Blake Francis, Natalie Hills, Olivia McQuaid, Callie Schmitke, Auveen Shafaei, Alice Thomas and Alexis Zou. They were voted in by their grade and LOHS teachers and were announced at the assembly on April 13.

Senior Callie Schmitke was “totally shocked” when she heard her name, and as more details were announced that matched her experiences, she “grabbed [her] friends’ hands and just kept repeating exclamations.” She said, “My hands were all shaky, and I just could not believe this was reality.”

Right now, Schmitke is currently preparing for the official Mayfete assembly on May 1 by learning to waltz with the other Mayfete royals. She continued, “I’m just very excited to get all dressed up and do the waltz with my best friend. My escort, Cordelia Megowan, and I have been working very hard on our waltz and are super excited to show off at the assembly.”

For other royals, such as senior Alice Thomas, Mayfete is also an opportunity to have fun while engaging with the school community. Like Schmitke, Thomas was surprised when her name was announced, and she explained that she is looking forward to “being able to connect with a piece of our school’s history.”

On May 1, the senior with the most votes from students at LOHS will be crowned the Mayfete king or queen, but you can catch all of the royals practicing their waltzing skills bright and early in the mornings leading up to Mayfete!