This year, the Wakefield Wackopalooza Homecoming dance is set to occur on Sept. 27. The expected attire is semi-formal, with a unique music-festival twist. Wakefield High School’s Homecoming, whether it be its various themes, food or other amenities, always seems to incorporate some level of tradition into its foundation. There have been many Homecomings over the years. Each one strives for an innovative experience, but some things never change.

Traditionally, Homecoming is a huge event that raises school spirit. The week of festivities that precedes the main events consists of decorating, celebrating with spirit week outfits, the yearly pep rally, the big football game and the Homecoming dance, which brings the festive events to a close. Christina Bradford, a teacher of primarily senior courses, gets to see the excitement around Homecoming year after year.

“Spirit week is huge, especially with seniors as they get pretty into it,” Bradford said. “The Homecoming game always has a big turn-out, and [us teachers] always hear about that on the Monday after.”

Another pillar of Homecoming is fashion. Beyond dressing up for spirit week, the extravagant outfits worn to the dance are a popular form of self-expression. These various outfits that partygoers adorn are forms of individualism and outlets of creativity. Kelsey Rutter, a Wakefield senior and founder of the Dead Poet’s Society, is an active advocate of eloquent dance attire.

“My hot take is people need to be more expressive with their fashion and use the dance as an excuse to do that, because that’s what I do, and more people should get on board,” Rutter said.

Even the newer generations are afflicted by these fashion-based sentiments. With the new school year comes freshmen who have never been to a high school-level dance. This brings new experiences and a whole new opportunity to make a stylish statement. One such freshman, Delilah Lopez, prepares for the Homecoming dance.

“I am mostly excited to dress up – I’m definitely wearing a dress, and I know it’s going to be black,” Lopez said. “[This differs from middle school dances because] I think there’s going to be more people and [the dance] will probably be nicer.”

One of the most cherished aspects of Homecoming is friends. Many students make exciting plans with their closest friends to pursue various activities, such as a preliminary meal before the dance begins, or a get-together for a collective group photo. Sarah Dudley, a Wakefield teacher of 14 years, is a yearly witness to the highlights of Homecoming.

“I would say go with a friend and focus on just enjoying your time with the [people] you come with,” Dudley said. “Enjoy the time that you have.”

Being with a group of friends can take the pressure off, but one of the most precarious struggles that students still often face, no matter what, is the need to break out of one’s own comfort zone. As such, a key factor when it comes to memory-making is to venture into the unknown.

“Just have fun. Don’t think too much about what other people are thinking, because I think that holds people back sometimes,” Bradford said.

The night of the Homecoming dance is, to most students, an often unforgettable experience. As such, the memories that these students derive from these nights of wonder are often cherished for years to come.

“I think for the average student, it is less about the game or the dance and more like: What were these moments like for them and their friends?” Dudley said. “What was the place you went to dinner, or the compliment you got on your outfit? The large event is just a setting for those small, personal memories.”