Kelliann Davis, a senior at Division Avenue High School, has been selected as a finalist for New York State's 19th Annual Homecoming Queen selection.

State Homecoming Queen finalists are young women who were selected as Homecoming Queens in their individual schools, filled out an application, and then were selected by judges for America's Homecoming Queen, Inc. Judges are selected from the fields of education, travel, and public relations. Approximately 40 high school students from New York State are chosen as finalists.

According to Davis, following her selection as Homecoming Queen for Division Avenue High School she received an application which she had to fill out and she had to write an essay about where in the world she would choose to go if she could go anywhere and why. She said she also had to answer a few questions about herself and the things that she likes to do.

As a finalist Davis will go to Albany for a weekend in May to compete in the state competition. As a state finalist she will compete in personal interviews and a prom gown competition. If she is selected as New York's Homecoming Queen Davis will receive a cash scholarship and an expense paid trip to California in July to compete with queens from other states for the title of America's Homecoming Queen. All state finalists receive an engraved plaque with their photograph on it for their school's trophy case.

According to information from America's Homecoming Queen, Inc., "The purpose of the organization is to promote educational travel for high school homecoming queens in all fifty states. We are giving these young women, who have shown outstanding leadership ability, the opportunity to achieve their dreams and goals of being our leaders of tomorrow. We strive to reinforce the teaching of their home, school, and church, and work to give each girl the self-confidence to achieve the goals she desires. The selection provides a friendly competition between girls of many differing localities and backgrounds."

Davis said this selection as a finalist means a lot to her because, "It means that I'm getting recognition for all the hard work that I did, because basically that is what Homecoming was for me." Davis is the editor of Division's yearbook, vice president of the student council, treasurer of the honor society, and is a member of many different clubs and organizations. She also volunteers at St. Bernard's Church, where she coaches a cheerleading team. She does a Walk for Diabetes as well as other events through the school.

As a senior Davis has been considering what she would like to do next year and she hopes to attend either Binghamton University or Cortland and plans to pursue a career in teaching.

Davis said that she thinks the Homecoming Queen competition will be a lot of fun and a good experience and added, "I can't wait. I'm really excited."