Our 2024-2025 school year homecoming dance was a hit, with around 2,000 students in attendance. The cafeteria was filled with the spirited music, sparkly attire and dress shoes that filled the school with warmth despite the chilly evening.
According to staff chaperone and world language teacher Mrs. Lingon, students were greeted with photo booths with silly props as they poured through the athletic entrance in an excited frenzy.
On Monday Oct. 7, we kicked off our Homecoming week with an exciting cheese hunt and a lively pep assembly. The spirit day theme was “Anything but a Backpack,” encouraging students to showcase their creativity by bringing in unconventional items to carry their school supplies.
The following day, Oct. 8, we continued the fun with a treasure hunt. Tuesday was also the day of “Chalk the Walk,” where students decorated the sidewalks with colorful messages and drawings to represent their clubs. That evening, the much-anticipated Powder Puff game took place, and students embraced the spirit day theme of “Twin Day,” dressing up in matching outfits with their friends.
On Oct. 9, our school buzzed with excitement as trivia competitions took place during all lunch periods. Students tested their knowledge while sporting their favorite band tees for “Band-Tee Day,” showcasing their love for music.
Oct. 10 brought our Remy Roundup, a spirited event filled with games and camaraderie. The theme for this day was “Throwback Thursday,” allowing everyone to don nostalgic outfits from past decades, celebrating the styles and trends that shaped their childhood.
The festivities continued on Oct 11 with our highly anticipated performance assembly. Students showcased their talents in front of the entire school, creating an electric atmosphere. The theme for Friday was “Mustang Friday,” where everyone showed their school pride by wearing our school colors and mascots.
Finally, on Oct 12, we wrapped up the week with our unforgettable Homecoming dance, held Saturday evening from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Students gathered to celebrate, dance, and create lasting memories in a festive atmosphere.
According to Pankuch, the planning of homecoming events is a collaborative effort that involves significant student input. The groundwork is laid during the summer during student government meetings and class meetings held every Tuesday. This ensures that the events are shaped by student voices. One of the key elements in planning is selecting the date for homecoming; students will align events with the athletic schedule when selecting a date for the dance to ensure all students are able to come to the dance.
“The whole week of activities that students have planned are a part of the fun, and then at the dance, DJ decorations, snacks, all kinds of things that kids said that they wanted,” Social Studies department chair Donald Pankuch said.
Homecoming is a cherished tradition that brings together students, alumni, and the community to create memories. It began in the United states, early 20th century, and from then on homecoming events have evolved from modest reunions to grand celebrations that foster community spirit, nostalgia, and school pride.
Throughout the decades, homecoming has grown to encompass a variety of traditions including parades, pep rallies, and dances. These celebrations became a means for schools to honor their alumni while reinforcing a sense of belonging among current students.
“It’s celebrating coming back and just meeting new people,” Metea Valley’s principal, Daniel Debryuker said.
Homecoming plays a crucial role in building and maintaining community bonds. For alumni, it is an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, revisit memories, and witness the growth and changes on campus. For students, it serves as one of the most memorable school events, allowing them to celebrate their institution and engage with our community. Festivities, like football games, parades and club advertising, helps build school spirit and pride. It strengthens emotional ties students have with their staff and peers, cultivating a shared identity.
