Homecoming Week

Our Homecoming Experience

by Daniel Svediani and Rachel Nave

Believed to have originated sometime in the 19th century, Homecoming is the tradition of welcoming back students to the new school year. Usually, it celebrates the first home football game of the season and traditionally, a dance is held afterwards. On Saturday, October 23rd, we celebrated our own joint Homecoming with East Valley High School.

On the day of the Homecoming football game, we had a pep rally, held during the high school students’ extended lunch. Students were able to enjoy a routine performed by the school’s cheerleaders, an introduction of the football team, and a presentation of the candidates for Homecoming Court. That same evening, our Falcons participated in a football match against Animo Robinson’s Monarchs. Although our team fought valiantly against the enemy, misfortune befell them and they were crushed by overwhelming odds. However, spirits were lifted during the halftime show. An ensemble of decorated trucks and cars paraded through the field, displaying various other sports teams, advertising our school’s diverse clubs and student body, and culminating in the winners of the homecoming court election. After the festively decorated vehicles circled the football field, the football game continued. (see photos below)

Homecoming Court Winners:

Freshman

Lady: Ava Soh

Knight: Daniel Svediani

Sophomores

Duchess: Gillian Nail

Duke: Zahra Reaves

Juniors

Princess: Michelle DuPont

Prince: Mia Dalbotten

Seniors

Queen: Leah Rosenthal

King: Harry Ilanyan

The next day, the Homecoming Dance provided the students with another opportunity to bolster their school pride, as well as the chance to enjoy some time with friends. The dance was held in the quad between the cafeteria and the gym in a beautifully decorated area. All the trees were decorated with bright yellow lights, all the tables were covered with a black cloth and adorned with decorations such as flower arrangements, and there were multiple balloon spirals spread throughout the area. On the stairs leading up to the gym, a DJ setup and various light fixtures, including multi-colored lasers, were installed. The students were provided with water, a towering supply of various pizzas, and delicacies such as ice cream and cookies, which could be purchased at the Student Store. As the event was coming to a close, the Homecoming Court winners were announced once more to raucous applause and were called up for a slow dance. As everyone joined in, the DJ played a few more slow songs and everyone dispersed, contented, into the night. 

While many students really enjoyed the Homecoming Dance, especially the photo booth–which is, as Desmond Devine stated, “always a cool spot to capture memories”–others had some critiques about the music volume and song selections, as well as the menu offerings. Desmond used their input to craft a handy guide for scoring school events. What do you think?

School Event Grading Rubric

Music	Food	Entertainment	Decor
3: Good volume, open to suggestions	3: Variety, not costly, plentifulness	3: Many unique events, games, and activities	3: Great
2: A little too loud or quiet, slightly limited	2: Some choice, costs a bit too much	2: Some timed events and activities, or ones that require cash	2: Good
1: Inappropriate volume, not flexible	1: Few options, expensive, limited quantity	1: Very few or no activities, or those that are costly	1: They didn’t even try