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Eastern Illinois homecoming royalty is a tradition for the Tuscola family

October 22, 2021
Henry Club

EIU Junior Faith Ainley explains why she enjoys homecoming. Read more here.



Athena Pager, Journal Gazette and Times-Courier



Charleston – Homecoming of Eastern Illinois University Brings current and alumni together to celebrate their favorite college traditions.

For the Reefsteak family, joining the homecoming has become a family tradition—and a busy week ahead.

Stella Reefsteak, 4, was crowned as this year’s “Lil’ Princess” for EIU’s Homecoming Court. In 2019, his older sister, Sophie, 8, also assumed the same title.






Reefsteak Family

The Reefsteak family is immersed in Eastern Illinois University swag as they prepare for another rally of homecoming activities.


athena pajero



His older brother, 10-year-old Evan, was “Lil Prince” in 2016.

“We get to be the drivers for the weekend,” said his mother, Deborah Reifstek.

As EIU homecoming royalty, each sibling attended the coronation ceremony, homecoming parade and football game.

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Meanwhile, Deborah Reifstek and her husband, Bryce, are also able to celebrate homecoming as EIU alumni.

Bryce Reefstek, said the two, from the Tuscola area, met as students at EIU.

“It’s clear we met as students, got married, and now our kids can join in,” said Deborah Reifstek.

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Deborah Reifstek completed her master’s degree at EIU and has been working there as a fashion merchandising and design professor for over 15 years.

Children and grandchildren of faculty members at EIU can apply to become homecoming royalty.

The three siblings were chosen as royalty for years after being asked a question: what would be their superpower of choice and why?

Stella wants to fly the reefstakes so she can help save people — and to see her friends, she said.

Sophie would love to have Mercy as a superpower to help save the world.

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Ivan wants to be strong and fast, so he can get even better at something he really loves to do – play football. Ivan is also involved in Taekwondo and is about to start playing basketball.

Sophie loves gymnastics, cheerleading and dancing. Stella is also fond of gymnastics.

The sisters have actually been the lil princesses for two consecutive Homecoming celebrations, as several Homecoming celebrations were canceled last year to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

“Now we’re here in 2021, whatever looks normal, and they’re back-to-back lil princesses,” Deborah said.

This was the first year the Homecoming Court chose Lil’ Princess and Lil’ Prince instead of the Homecoming Committee.

Homecoming activities will continue throughout the weekSaturday, culminating with a parade, football game and distinguished alumni awards.

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