Haley Shepherd

Since being crowned the University of Southern Mississippi’s 2024 Homecoming King, Addison Boyette, a senior majoring in Polymer Science and Engineering with a minor in chemistry, has embraced his role with humor.
“So, I’ve been going around and telling my friends to get on their knees. I now knight you Homecoming knight of Addison Boyette’s court,” Boyette said.
During his campaign for homecoming king, Boyette shared several Instagram posts reflecting on his time at USM. Each post was a letter to himself, discussing his achievements, lessons learned, and personal growth.
“I wanted it to be a letter, not just to me but to the growth I’ve made throughout those four years,” Boyette said. “Because what I am most proud of is how much I have grown.”
Boyette attributes his growth to the people he met at USM, many of whom he considers lifelong friends. He credits his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, with introducing him to mentors and brothers who shaped him into a leader. Among them, Boyette highlights Cade McCormick as his most significant mentor.
“He is my mentor in everything. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without him,” Boyette said. “He is the person who got me involved and made me who I am today, and I am so proud of who I am today.”
Boyette’s passion for science began at an early age, but it wasn’t until he took a tour of USM’s Polymer Science program that he found his academic focus.
“The Polymer Science Engineering program here is incredible,” Boyette said. “It’s the crown jewel of academia at USM, and it blew my mind. Truthfully, it’s what convinced me to come.”
Boyette describes himself as a positive person who enjoys making others smile and celebrating their achievements, whether it’s receiving an award or going to college. He attributes his enthusiasm for creating special moments to his mother, who filled his childhood with joy and never missed an opportunity to decorate for holidays.
“My mom is just awesome and one of the best people ever,” Boyette explained. “She has photographed almost every moment of my life. I always like to tell people my mom chooses me every day.”
In his Southern Style interview, Boyette spoke about the challenges of always being his true self while balancing leadership and mentorship responsibilities. Despite the difficulties, he is known for maintaining a positive demeanor.
Boyette wants to be remembered as someone who does good for others and inspires them to do the same. But more than that, he wants to be seen as a person.
“I would like to be remembered as a person, first and foremost,” Boyette added. “I love being a part of these organizations, but they are only a small part of me. When you get down to me, I am just a normal person.”
As Boyette finishes his senior year, he reflects on his time at USM, from learning leadership skills to managing his time. He envisions a future working in coatings with Carboline or possibly making movie props in Los Angeles. For now, he concludes his final year with a crown and scepter in hand.
“At the end of the day, it really means nothing, it’s just a title,” Boyette said. “But it makes me happy to know that other people read my letters or maybe saw how I have grown since being a freshman. It brought me so much joy, and I hope it brought others joy as well. That’s what brings me the most happiness about it.”