Five For Friday: Homecoming Boys Nominees

By: Tara Khazaeizadeh

With the 2024-25 school year in place, the time has come again to celebrate the annual tradition of Homecoming nominations and activities. Here, we have a deep dive into the nominated Boys experiences as the top 5.

As the autumn leaves begin to fall and the Redwood School Spirit reaches a fever pitch, this year’s homecoming festivities are shining a spotlight on an inspiring group of nominees. In this special edition, we have the Five outstanding boys homecoming nominees for the 2024-25 school year.

Cristian Carlos, ‘25, one of Redwood Football’s Hall-of-Famers, and a four-year football member and a newly crowned varsity captain. “Being the senior captain, the team nominated me” he states when asked if he anticipated the team nomination. “My favorite song is ‘Sin Ti’ by Edición Especial.”

“I thought the rally was really fun, definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Carlos says. “It was really cool besides the fact that I had to griddy in front of the whole school”, referring to Mr. Gridiron’s golden rally activity. 

“I thought the rally was really exciting and fun, the energy was really exciting and it was just amazing overall,” DeLaCruz.

Colton Hayes, ‘25, a four-year drama legend and dear friend to all states that when it came down to nominations, he had, “No idea [he] was going to be nominated” by the drama club. “My favorite song is ‘Place’ by Playboi Carti.”

Hayes expressed that, “the rally had a really great atmosphere. I really liked the events that we did, and  Dance Force and Cheer had really great performances, and Magic Max’s performance”

Wesley Ball, ‘25, unquestionably the spirit of Redwood, and the fire for all football games, was nominated by ASB. “I’ve been in ASB for two years now, and I love it. It’s super fun and I would definitely recommend it,” Ball says. “A lot of people think it’s just work, but its not. You get really involved and I’d say if you’re thinking about it, you should do it, you’ll have a lot of fun”.

“My favorite song is ‘Die with A Smile’ by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga,” Ball.

“I thought maybe I might have been nominated, but there are a lot of senior guys in there, so I was surprised and honored to be ASB’s nominee”, says Ball.

“I thought the rally was actually really cool, I especially liked how they made it feel like an actual show, like we were at the Oscars,” Aziz states, “and that magic show was really cool too.”

“They chose a really good group of people. We’ve honestly all been talking a lot to each other, and we’re all really having fun because we know in the end, it’s a fun thing,” says Aziz.

With Homecoming week being arguably one of the most memorable and cherishable times of the year, the lunchtime activities also bring some added joy to the table, as the nominees share laughs and splashes during the lunch period. 

Salvador DeLaCruz, ‘25, is an undeniable star of the Redwood Choirs. “I was nominated by Choir, and I’ve been in it all four years. I did Men’s Choir freshman year, and Ranger choir for three years so far, and Chamber Choir for the first time this year.” 

“No, I had no idea that I was going to be nominated, it was so out of the park,” says DeLaCruz.

“My favorite song is ‘Rocketeer,” DeLaCruz says.

“The lunch activities are super fun, especially when we were throwing water balloons at each other,” Carlos says, “especially with me being in a onesie, it definitely cooled me off.”

“It’s really great being out on campus for the activities, especially throwing water balloons at the girls at the end,” Hayes says. 

“The other guy nominees are also super chill and very cool, and even if I don’t win it’s been a super great time. I’ve just had a lot of fun” says Ball ‘25. “They’ve definitely cooled us down.”

“You’re not a Baller until you join Baller nation,” Ball adds. 

“I think all the nominees are very nice and respectful, I don’t mind if I lose or win, I just want all of us to have a good week,” said Carlos.

Ahmed Aziz, ‘25, an undoubtedly a Redwood Icon, and an inspiration to all during his short time at Redwood High School. “I was nominated by FBLA, and I’ve been in it all four years.” He says. “My favorite song is ‘Drop It Like Its Hot’ by Snoop Dogg.” 

“I knew I was going to be nominated for FBLA, because I’ve been a 3-year officer,” Aziz says. When it came to the top five, however –  “At first I didn’t know, but then a lot of my friends told me I was going to get it, and then I had a feeling I might.”

“I think all the nominees are great, and they all represent the school. I think any of us could win and it would be great,” Hayes concludes. 

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