Homecoming isn’t just a dance; it’s the one time when students of all grade levels can come together and celebrate the beginning of the new school year. Students put on their favorite outfits, meet up with friends, take pictures and enjoy a wonderful night of socialization and high spirits. As students only have one of these dances annually, it’s important that they make the most of the time they have together.
The season consists of three main events: Spirit Week, the Pep Rally and the Homecoming dance. However, some smaller traditions make the season even more memorable. Hallway decorations are a staple of school spirit and pride leading up to Homecoming. It’s a means of showcasing the different events leading up to the dance and channeling the student body’s creativity — an inspirational image to get everyone set for the rest of the school year. Emmy Dykes, the Executive Student Council President, shares excitement for the decorating in preparation for the Pep Rally and spirit days.
“We come in on the Sunday before the week leading up to homecoming,” Dykes said. “We get to decorate all the hallways in the school, depending on the theme. It’s exciting to see everybody’s reactions… when they walk in on Monday.”
However, decorating isn’t the only way to show Homecoming spirit. When asked about other annual traditions at Wakefield, Senior and previous Homecoming attendee Daisy Duffour shared her thoughts.
“The dances we do every year — especially the cha-cha, where everyone comes together and forms a line — are really nice and sweet,” Duffour said.
Despite the season being so carefully orchestrated, however, there has been an ongoing issue with a lack of participation. And this isn’t just exclusive to the dance.
“Part of [the unwillingness comes from] Student Council picking spirit days that aren’t accessible to everybody,” Dykes said. “Some of it is just students not wanting to participate in those spirit days.”
The theme for this year’s dance is Wakapolooza, a fun music festival-inspired semiformal event with food, music and dance. For the first time, students are being provided the opportunity to voice their opinions on a crucial aspect of the dance: the music. Throughout the school, QR codes are posted in almost every classroom and hallway, allowing students to submit their own Homecoming song recommendations. This way, students can maximize their experience with the music they enjoy. Student Council Senior President Caitlin Nowalk provides insight on why this level of accessibility was implemented.
“People normally complain about songs,” Nowalk said. “We have song platforms, and we’re hoping to get more people there. I think it’ll be a good time.”
As the kickstart for the academic year, there’s no better way to get involved in school spirit than with the dance. For Angel Igboanugo, a Student Council Member, Homecoming is the time students should look forward to making those core high school memories.
“I would tell them to just give it a try,” Igboanugo said. “High school only happens once, so try it out.”
