While we have always had the Homecoming football game, HHS hasn’t had a Homecoming dance since 2014. Ms. Russo, the Student Activities Coordinator, and the Student Council voted on reviving the tradition this year.
History of Homecoming: The first homecoming football game and dance were believed to be at the University of Missouri in 1910. Since then both events have become popular traditions in high schools and colleges throughout America. The purpose of homecoming is to invite alumni back to their alma mater. It encourages school spirit and gets students excited, giving them something fun to look forward to.
HHS Dance: This year our Homecoming dance will take place on Friday, October 18. Students are to wear semi-formal/formal attire and you can buy a ticket pre-sale for $5 or for $10 at the door.
Student Council Involvement: The dance will take place in Hawthorne High School’s main gym. The day before and day-of the dance, Student Council members will work with Ms. Russo to transform the gym into a fun, welcoming, fall-themed space.
To inform you on the refreshment front, members of the club are encouraged to donate cases of water, small bags of chips, and baked goods for everyone to enjoy at the dance.
On Monday, I interviewed Ms. Russo about this year’s dance to gain some insight.
Ms. Russo, what is your role in preparing for the event?
I am in charge of the event, booking DJ, planning the lighting installation, making sure all of the food and drink donations are coming in, creating/selling tickets, staffing chaperones and security for the event, and overseeing the decor.
Why do you think the Homecoming dance became unpopular here?
I think it just became stale, it was something we did every year, and the exec board I had in 2015 wanted to just change it up. That was when we moved it outside for the Block Party. This is why I have been switching back and forth with the Block Party and Bonfire – keeps things fresh. I try to go with the flow of whatever the members of STUCO want, so each year is very unique.
How will it be different this year?
I think because we haven’t done it in a while, and it makes the Homecoming Court winners feel more recognized and special since it will be announced at the dance. I purchased sashes and crowns this year to make it feel more special. I also think based on what’s happening around the country, HOCO has become really popular, so kids seem into it now.
What do you do to encourage students to go?
I have been pumping it up in my classes, and try my best to over post on our school social media. I think if we as a Student Council buy into the idea and get excited, the rest of the student body will follow. I also am excited because I feel like this year, there is a sense of wanting more school spirit and getting back to the fun high school stuff again! It makes me happy!!
What can we expect at the Homecoming dance? Music? Food?
Food will be light refreshments, think snacks and baked goods. Music: I booked one of our alumni Frank Giglio who DJs (he was our DJ for the Spring Fling we had two years ago).
That’s all for Ms. Russo.
I hope this article convinced you to purchase a ticket for the dance. Get excited and get ready to make some great memories.