Senior Spotlight: Gabby Beam and Eric Quartey, Your Homecoming King and Queen
November 3, 2017
The class of 2018 is one of the most unique and interesting grades to have ever roamed the hallways of FTHS. Students range from amazing singers, phenomenal athletes, and original artists. Each week a new senior is interviewed to highlight their special qualities and the impact FTHS has had on them. These seniors finally receive their moment in the spotlight!
Gabby Beam, Homecoming Queen
How did it feel to see your name on the ballot? What was your reaction?
I was very excited to see my name on the ballot because homecoming is a big deal in our school. I have been fortunate to be a part of homecoming festivities all 4 years through cheerleading, and it always has been something I looked forward to every year.
When you were at the Homecoming Dance and they announced the Senior Court, were you surprised when they called your name?
I was surprised when my name was called at the dance because the ballot was filled with about 40 other great girls. I knew it was going to be a very hard decision for people with the voting, however, I was filled with joy when I was called to the DJ booth.
After the dance, did you believe you actually think you were going to win or did you believe someone else was going to win? What did you think about the other people in the court?
After the dance I had such amazing emotions flowing because I had a great time with everyone. I honestly was just genuinely happy that I was even voted onto the court and was not worried about winning or losing, rather enjoying the moments with all of the people around me.
What was your reaction when King was called?
I was very happy for Eric and it was awesome how excited everyone in the stands were for him. He is a very kind and respectable person so I was happy to see someone like him represent the school as King.
How were you feeling leading up to the game? Were you excited, nervous?
I was overly excited about the game because being a cheerleader all 4 years, the homecoming game always has the best environment, win or lose. The tailgate brings everyone together for the game, in which everyone is in favor of our school. This year, I constantly kept thinking to myself to take in each and every moment because it is the last time to ever be in this position again.
When they called your name, what was running through your mind? Were you surprised?
When my name was called I was overwhelmed with happiness, and thankfulness. I was surprised because every girl in the court had a good chance of getting it in my opinion. I was very happy seeing everyone around me being very supportive and cheering me on. That moment will remain as one of the best memories of my life.
How does being Homecoming Queen add to your Township experience?
Before winning Queen, I was already very proud to be a student at FTHS. We have an amazing academic, extracurricular and family environment that constantly keeps me excited throughout the school year. One of my favorite things about FTHS is the amount of different towns we collect students from, which is different from every other school in FRHSD. I have become friends with students from all different towns and walks of life in which I appreciate everyone. I am extremely thankful and proud to represent FTHS as Homecoming Queen.
What does winning Homecoming Queen mean in terms of the Freehold Township family?
I am very proud to not only be representing FTHS as queen, but also very happy that everyone voted for me to be Homecoming Queen. FTHS gives me the feeling of a family environment and I have a large amount of love for my school so it was one of the best feelings to be named Queen for something that means so much to me.
What would advice would you give to your younger self about Township?
I would tell my younger self to stop stressing about the hard work and rather enjoy every second of it, because it will all soon pay off. I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by great teachers and who have helped shape me to conquer my future. In the end if you do good for the world good things will soon come back to you.
Eric Quartey, Homecoming King
How did it feel to see your name on the ballot? What was your reaction?
When I saw my name on the Homecoming ballot, I was a little shocked I didn’t expect to be on the ballot. This was because it’s not something I would normally pay attention to and expect to find myself on. However, there was a slight feeling of excitement to see how far I would make it.
When they announced the Senior Court, were you surprised to see you made it onto the final list?
The Senior court I don’t find as surprising because I saw it as you either made it or did not type of situation. I didn’t pay much mind to it.
After the announcement, did you believe you actually think you were going to win or did you believe someone else was going to win? What did you think about the other people in the court?
In my opinion I thought wasn’t going to win. The candidates on the ballot were quite exceptional. Bryan Reed is a great guy well known throughout our school for his athleticism and Well mannered personality. Christian Cocuzza also took also took control of a great campaign in school. Max Torres another great candidate is also known throughout our school for his stunning academic record and respect to others. But ultimately I did think that it would be Jacob Bernard White just because that’s literally my best friend whom I believe If anyone deserves that crown it was him. That’s a kid who has a good heart means well and respected for his personality just like every all the candidates who were on the ballot.
How were you feeling leading up to the game? Were you excited, nervous?
As the homecoming game approached I told myself to treat it as any other game. Personally I believe it is when a player lets their environment get to them that they get caught in the moment and have a disappointment in game performance. Therefore I told myself it was like any other Friday night I stepped under those lights. As I stepped on the field I felt confident that we would win because of the fact that the team we developed this year was a team that should beat East Brunswick as long as we made sure to keep playing hard.
What was your reaction when Queen was called?
I wasn’t surprised that Gabby had won Homecoming Queen. That is one person that I have never found a fault in. Gabby is insanely kind and willing to respect and support all of those who surround her. She truly is someone I believe is a role model amongst our school and is sincerely recognized for that.
When they called your name, what was running through your mind? Were you surprised?
When they had called my name I was happy because more of the fact that I want to be a representation in this school of people of all types. I personally try to get to know as many people as possible because I find them as an extension of myself. Therefore I need to represent everyone in the best ways I can.
How does being Homecoming King add to your Township experience?
Becoming Homecoming King makes me enjoy the high school experience all the more. Being apart of the most diverse and well cultured school in the district has helped me grow to be the person I am today.
What does winning Homecoming King mean in terms of the Freehold Township family?
Winning means a stronger bond between me and my family. The same people who voted for me are the same people who I get to enjoy this school with everyday. I am truly grateful for all of them.
What would advice would you give to your younger self about Township?
I would personally tell my younger self to take advantage of high school in every aspect that you can because you never get it back. Even now as I attend this school as a senior I realize that half the people in this school I may never see again, for some people that’s good and for others bad. Personally I enjoy seeing the faces of everyone because for the past three years that’s why I’ve been able to enjoy my life here at Freehold Township.