Fun and Friends

The loud music blares over the speakers as students rush to get on the colorfully lit dance floor. The Homecoming experience is about more than just the dance itself. Many students enjoy the events leading up to the dance and find them to be just as exciting. 

Homecoming week has returned, bringing both the familiar and unfamiliar spirit days, soccer games, Fall Fest activities, and the long-anticipated dance. For some, the week is all about exciting traditions and school spirit, while for others it's about reconnecting with friends.

“I was looking forward to getting all fancy and putting on a pretty dress,” junior Ruby Hollifield said. “Homecoming looks different every year, but it's usually colorful, fun, and exciting. My favorite memory is seeing my best friends get asked out with posters.” 

Some may see Homecoming as a way to feel confident and get creative, while others view this week as more of a hassle. Senior Mal Memon has more of a practical outlook.

“I’m most excited for homecoming,” Memon mentioned. “My wardrobe has expanded since I started high school, so I’m excited to see how to piece outfits together. Since it's my senior year, I want to actually partake in school activities and traditions.” 

For many, the key parts of homecoming are Powderpuff or Fall Fest, but with the field renovations these traditions will look a bit different this year. 

“My favorite homecoming tradition is the Powderpuff game because it is just a fun time and it's funny seeing the boys be cheerleaders,” stated sophomore Audrey Saenz. “We don't get that this year, but hopefully we’ll have more games or something to make up for it.” 

Even with the shifts to the schedule, Powderpuff will still happen this year, just at a later time. 

“I’m super excited for Powderpuff this year. Even though we can't do it until prom week, it will still be super fun,” senior Fia Kauffman noted. “Homecoming is a super fun, loud, and exciting event, and I’ve had many great memories at homecoming and the week leading up to it.”

Even with the shifts to the schedule, many students are just excited to come together. For Hollifield, it's the small pieces of advice she wished she had known sooner that come to mind when planning for homecoming. 

“Don't wear high heels, you will regret it,” Hollifield advised. 

Many upperclassmen stress the importance of getting outside of your comfort zone. 

“Don't be introverted, actually go to these events, get a big group of friends, and go and have fun,” senior Mal Memon mentioned. 

The meaning of homecoming goes beyond just the dance for most students. Beyond the decorations and traditions, homecoming can be a reminder that school can be a place of fun as well. 

“Homecoming to me means being able to have fun outside of academics, even if it is still a school event,” Saenz said. 

Whether homecoming is just a chance for you to dress up, make friends, or have a fun event to go to, homecoming means something to everyone. 

“Go with your friends, don't go on a date. It won't be fun,” Kauffman advised.

From music to memories many students expressed a wide range of opinions.

“I was kind of disappointed they were doing Miami nights instead of Star Wars, because I thought Star Wars was creative,” senior Vivien Lynn explained. 

A handful of students expressed their disappointment towards the theme and the lack of creativity.

“I think they could’ve done better, maybe something original,” junior Spencer Dawson-Jimenez mentioned. 

Outside of the theme, many were excited about the royalty. 

“From what I’ve heard, people were just trying to find couples that they know.” Lynn declared.

In past years the DJ was the biggest point of contention for students, with many feeling the music wasn’t something they enjoyed. However, this year students praised the song selections and the upbeat atmosphere.

“The DJ this year was really good. The song choices were amazing, and I’ve been on the dance floor almost the entire night!” senior Reese Linton exclaimed.

From HoCo royalty, the DJ, the theme, and much more, Homecoming is a chance to have fun and be yourself with the people you love most. 

“Have fun and go with the people you love to be around,” sophomore Audrey Sainz shared.