Colton Kagarise is a man of very few words, but he is a family man. He has very many lovely friends, and a great support system, which is a huge part of why he is in the running this year for Homecoming King.
One of those friends is Manuel Perez, who loves that Colton is an honest, positive person. “Family is important to him and it is to me too so he has my vote based on that fact.”
Gonzalo Oropeza, one of his friends and teammates on the varsity basketball team calls Colton an “outgoing” person. “If anybody were to win I’d want it to be him,” Oropeza said.
Originally, Colton didn’t plan on running for the title, but with a little push from his partner-in-crime, Kassandra Romo, he got a boost of confidence. She insisted they had a good chance of winning, and combined with the family, friends and classmates who said they believed in him and would vote for him, reassured him that he could do this.
Colton shared what they told him. “It’s your senior year. Live life and be part of your high school experience.”
It would seem that Colton is doing just that, and his friends are quick to talk him up. Some called him positive, some called him true to himself and a very good person at heart, some stated that he is the best friend that anybody could ask for and he is what people look for in a friend.
“He is a very joyful person,” said senior Johanna Aragon Cabrera, who is taken by the notion that Colton is always himself, never failing to be the most honest and caring person. “He’s always there for you and is a great boost for the spirit. He’s like Santa in his own way.”
After high school, Colton looks to take his positive energy and put it towards doing something to help others. He isn’t sure yet what that is, considering professions as diverse as EMT, diesel mechanic, marine, or welder.
Because the future is wide open for Colton, he has a lot of ideas of where he might go. Currently, he’s an ambassador for the ROP GIS program at CHS, and likes connecting with younger students. Last year, he represented the Welding Pathway, but decided to try something new this year.
Part of why he has such a passion for family and team is because of his lifelong connection to sports. Since he was a child, Colton found enjoyment and excitement for baseball, then as he grew older he found a new love and passion for basketball.
But for now, the future is on Thursday night, when the Homecoming Crown will be placed on someone’s head during halftime. According to Colton’s friend, Nikolai Ruiz, Colton is the best person to win this. “He deserves it, he’s like a brother to me and I think that I would love for him to be HOCO king.”
No matter what happens, though, his running mate, Kassandra Romo is loyal. “He’s the best partner I could’ve ever asked for.”