Outfits, dates, friends, photos, dinner, the actual dance, and after-party plans. Months of preparation go into an event that lasts three hours. Everything must be perfect. After all, one only gets four high school Homecomings. The pressure of flawlessness, and sometimes even dread, can consume the person attending. Trying to organize a festivity can be a burden, but the special memories remembered make it all worth it.
Homecoming season is an exhilarating part of the year. It’s something many look forward to as they grow up. Wearing fancy clothes and dancing like nobody’s watching like all the cool high schoolers is something kids aspire to do once they reach their teenage years. And while this function is thought of as enjoyable and lively, it is also thought of as nerve-wracking. Zoey Morris, senior and this year’s Homecoming Queen, shares these same beliefs. She said, “I think homecoming is stressful. Between shopping for an outfit to making reservations, a lot of stress can come in such a short time.” These anxieties become much more elevated when the dance comes at an earlier time of the year. Last fall’s homecoming was on Sept. 16, however this season, it isn’t until Oct. 12. The sooner the festivity occurs, the more demanding the desires are. “I also feel the overall attitude towards Homecoming is affected when it is too early, as students don’t have the time to get as excited for the event,” said Morris. As with most circumstances, more time equals a better outcome. This rings true for the planners and attendees of this particular dance.
Attempting to organize plans within a group can be a struggle. Everyone has distinct requirements that need to be met and different schedules that sometimes don’t align. This year, Homecoming happened to fall on a day when there was a volleyball tournament that didn’t conclude until at least four in the afternoon. This leaves very little time to get ready beforehand, make it to dinner, and eventually arrive at the dance. Some of these same student-athletes may like to spend most of the day preparing themselves for this special night, but this conflict makes that unachievable. Drama is another con of the event. Finding groups and dates can cause unnecessary bickering. Logan Hendricks, freshman, was fortunately able to avoid this drama. He explained that he is going with only his girlfriend and the two made this decision without any complications. He also shared that he has not been stressed because of his prior knowledge of the event. “I had info from my brother and a couple [of] juniors,” said Hendricks.
Although Homecoming can be trying, most believe that it pays off. Dancing with one’s friends and significant other while listening to popular music is an undeniably amusing act. Looking through photos the next morning searching for ones nice enough to post can prove how being a teenager has its advantages. While there can always be complaints about anything, acknowledging the positive aspects of festivities like these can make them just that much better. Leaving with blistered heels, ringing ears, and a sweaty face is a pretty okay deal for souvenirs of a lifetime to reminisce on.
