Every fall, the halls of Metea Valley High School come alive with spirit week energy, with students dressed in costumes, music playing between classes, and the buzz of homecoming excitement in the air. But long before the first photo is taken or a single ticket is sold, preparations are already underway. They’re turning a theme into a night to remember.

Student government typically takes the lead when it comes to homecoming. From coordinating dance themes to budgeting for balloons and photo booths, they make sure that Homecoming is smooth, safe, and memorable. For them, homecoming isn’t just about the dance; it’s a months-long project that starts well before students return to school.

“Planning begins in early August,” junior Shyla Okasonam said. “We have a summer meeting with student government where we choose the theme and start talking about decorations and activities.” 

This year’s theme, Enchanted Evening, was chosen over other contenders, like Under the Sea, after a vote during one of those early meetings. As the event draws near, communication becomes key. Announcements are posted on Metea Valley Activities and shown on slideshow monitors in the commons. These updates include everything from ticket prices to event reminders. 

Spirit week itself is another massive undertaking. 

“We plan all the activities and theme days,” Okasonam said.

While the senior class takes the lead on these decisions, other class reps and the executive board also contribute to brainstorming. Events like games, giveaways, or guest performances in the commons, all designed to build hype leading into the big night.

“This year, we even had a gaming company come in, so students who aren’t into dancing have something else to do,” student government head sponsor Heather Weisenburger said.

It’s all about creating moments, big and small, that bring students together and make them feel like they belong.

“Whether it’s dancing under balloons or finding a banana on Minion Day, we want them to feel like school is more than just academics,” Weisenburger said. “It’s a community.”

While planning the perfect homecoming takes creativity and collaboration, making it all happen requires something just as important: funding. Behind the lights, music, and decorations, the student government’s budget carefully turns bright ideas into reality.

With hundreds of students attending homecoming each year, ticket revenue covers everything from essentials, like the DJ and decorations, to fun extras, like snacks and interactive games. Once the bills are paid, any leftover funds don’t go to waste. They’re reinvested into the school, for example, the new fan system for the pool area was purchased with some support from student government. 

“It’s nice knowing that what we do benefits not just the event, but the school community long after the dance ends,” Weisenburger said. 

Though student government handles much of the creative and logistical planning, it’s a team effort involving nearly every corner of the school. Teachers sign up as chaperones, janitors stay late to clean up after the event, and even administrators get involved during spirit week. Behind every song and every well-placed balloon arch, there’s a team of people ensuring the show goes on.