‘Be ready,’ Mister and Miss Homecoming say

Mister Homecoming Jay Welbon Jr. and Miss Homecoming Jordyn Hilton (Panther photo by Myah Burt)

The 2025-26 Claflin homecoming queen said she wants everyone to say about the event, “We’re going to Claflin.” 

Jordyn Hilton and Jay Welbon Jr. were interviewed after being crowned Mister and Miss Homecoming on Sept. 2-3. This is an annual fall tradition at Claflin promoting student engagement and leadership.  

While not sharing specific information, Mister Homecoming mentioned he would be open to collaborating with South Carolina State University. 

“I would be willing to find that connection, to go over there and have fun and then they come over here and have fun. Just making Orangeburg a whole.” 

Hilton and Welbon emphasized their investment in hearing student voices and opinions. This is something they prioritized while campaigning. 

“I want students' input on homecoming, what it looks like and feels like,” Welbon said. “We want to get the students involved.” 

With homecoming upcoming in November, students can expect to have a great time and create lasting memories.  

“We’ve got some stuff coming, just be ready! It’ll be a time!” Welbon said. 

After the announcement of Mister and Miss Homecoming, Hilton and Welbon reflected on the day they won. 

“I was very, very excited, and relieved because I’d put so much into the campaign” Welbon said. “I finally got the victory! It was also very humbling to know that I was Mister Homecoming.” 

For Hilton, the experience came with some uncertainty as the original results were a tie. She won a runoff election on Sept. 3. 

“I woke up to what felt like 100 notifications. My phone was blowing up, and all my friends were like ‘Jordyn, wake up! You won! We’re so proud of you!’” Hilton said. “Once it all hit me, I was overjoyed, and I was crying happy tears. I was ecstatic!” 

During their campaign, Welbon and Hilton used visuals and designs to showcase the message of their campaign. Hilton displayed a crown upon her head, while Welbon showed his ambition in a unique take on the hit movie “Creed.”   

“I’ve always had that drive and fight throughout my whole life,” Welbon said. “I’m not going to stop until I get to where I want to be.” 

While campaigning, Hilton and Welbon were also reminded about staying grounded. Keeping God first, their faith carried them both. 

“My mom sent me this quote the other day that explains exactly how I felt,” Hilton said. “Be scared and do it anyway. Be underqualified and get in the room anyway. Be messy, imperfect and unsure and show up anyway. Comfort is the enemy of growth. Get uncomfortable.” 

Hilton also detailed the impact she hopes to leave on campus as Miss Homecoming.  

“I want to spread positivity and inclusivity. I want to be that light on campus, and maybe I can inspire others in the process.”