by Sofia Guevara Salazar, staff writer
Homecoming is a much-anticipated week of events that is a highlight in the beginning stage of the school year for the students. Between the homecoming football game, spirit week, parade, and dance, there is much to look forward to. One of the biggest excitements this year was the thinking of, planning and building floats according to the theme of the parade, while also going to the dance dressed in attire that fits the theme.
But how were the themes of these two most memorable events chosen from an infinite list of possibilities, and what do the participants of said events think about the themes?
“Typically, the themes are selected to correlate with the theme of the homecoming dance,” Student Government sponsor Mrs. McCubbins said.
A list of ideas is created by Student Government, where later, these ideas are voted on and one theme is chosen from the list. From there, the parade theme is chosen to correlate with the theme of the dance.
“Themes are a fun way to encourage people to get creative,” McCubbins said. “All themes are good themes, you just have to think outside the box to develop the best floats for your group.”
This year’s themes were “Howlchella” for the parade, and “GloCo” for the football game and dance, where students belonging to different clubs designed and built floats based on a singer/artist and dressed up in neon for the game and dance.
But not everyone is satisfied with the themes chosen for this year’s events. Most of the responses I received were not in favor of the themes with the major complaints being that they did not make sense, were confusing, were difficult to figure out how to dress up, or, as some said, were just plain dumb.
“I don’t like the theme of the parade, it doesn’t make that much sense,” said junior Abby Potratz.
Although some people welcomed these unique themes, overall, the majority of people did not like them.
“The parade [themes] was kinda like, confusing, but I guess cool. I didn’t go to the parade, but I thought the idea was cool,” said junior Jazzy Lopez. “The dance was cool when I went.”
Those who attended the dance and parade last year expressed how they preferred last year’s theme, Once Upon a Homecoming, to this year’s.
I, personally, see and identify with both sides. While I don’t believe the themes deserve such harsh criticism, I see how it might require more effort and thinking into building floats or coming up with good outfits. Homecoming week is a good chance to hang out with friends you might not see much outside of school, or even with friends you see often, and having your friends around makes it more enjoyable, or at the very least, less boring.
“I had a lot of fun at the dance because I was able to meet up with friends and I guess everything is fun with friends, and I’m glad I didn’t go alone,” freshman Alice Escobedo Smith said.
The fun is in the creativity you put into both these projects and even if you dislike the theme, what matters most are the memories you create and moments you will not forget.
“Homecoming events are the best part about being back to school,” McCubbins said. “Get involved as best you can and make the most of your High School experience.”