Student-led philanthropy brings the Pioneer spirit of leadership and service to Homecoming
Homecoming week at Marietta College is a time for tradition, celebration and connection — and for the 2025 Homecoming candidates, it was also an opportunity to lead through service. Throughout the week, candidates took on the philanthropic challenge to collect pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio (RMHC NEO) in support of families with children receiving medical care.
This year’s Homecoming Planning Committee chose to have the Homecoming Court collect pop tabs to emphasize the importance of giving back through philanthropy. The initiative, led by the Pioneer Activities Council (PAC), allowed candidates to make a difference while reflecting the College’s enduring commitment to leadership and making an impact beyond the classroom.
“The Mid-Ohio Valley community has always been a strong supporter of students and their initiatives, and we wanted to share that same spirit with the wider community,” said Bryce Moyers ’26, president of the Pioneer Activities Council. “We believe this effort will raise awareness across campus and create a lasting impact for future Homecomings. We were grateful to have a staff member’s relative who has personally benefited from the generosity of the Ronald McDonald House and continues to receive their support.”
Marietta’s 2025 Homecoming Court included 15 candidates for queen and five for king, each contributing in their own way to the collection effort. Candidates gathered their donations from campus and community members, local businesses, and 4-H groups. Collections ranged from plastic bags to large totes overflowing with tabs. Homecoming Queen Breanna Herrick ’26 collected more than 200 pounds of pop tabs herself. Together, the court displayed not only creativity in their efforts but genuine dedication to the cause.
“Philanthropy means a lot to me. I own a cupcake business called Bre’s Cupcakin’ Around, where I host live fundraisers for organizations and individuals in need. When the Pop Tab Philanthropy Challenge was announced, I got to work. Through my social media and business platform, I posted a couple of advertisements asking if anyone had pop tabs to donate. My community hit the ground running, dropping off jugs, trash bags, and boxes of pop tabs. I had never seen so many pop tabs in my life,” said Herrick. “Being a part of this challenge was so inspiring. When a few people come together to support a cause that is crucial for children and families needing medical assistance, the results are breathtaking. I am so honored and proud to have been included in this competition, and I hope this continues as a tradition each year.”
Ronald McDonald House helps loved ones stay close to their children during medical treatment, keeping families together in times of need. Once donated, the pop tabs will be recycled to help fund the nonprofit organization’s ongoing operations and family programs. Proceeds from the recycled tabs help cover everyday expenses — from meals and supplies to utilities — so RMHC NEO can continue its work year-round. This initiative enables Marietta’s students to give back, transforming the concept of charity into true impact.
The court members’ pop tabs were weighed by PAC members on Thursday, Oct. 16, marking the culmination of the weeklong philanthropic project. The combined collections weighed in at just over 760 pounds, equating to more than 866,000 individual pop tabs. The project demonstrates the commitment to service that Marietta College seeks to foster in each of its students.
While Homecoming is often celebrated with festivities, student activities, alumni gatherings and athletic events, this endeavor highlights the compassion and drive that define the Pioneer spirit. By combining tradition, teamwork and community engagement, the 2025 Homecoming Court made a meaningful contribution that will extend well beyond the week’s celebrations.