Growing up, I always wondered what things would be like for me in high school. I knew about the independence, the extra homework, the harder classes, and most of the boring stuff. But the one thing I was most looking forward to was what every girl dreams about after having been let down by the elementary school Valentine’s Dance and Halloween Party: High school dances.
As a kid, a plethora of stereotypical high school movies had painted a picture for me that never ended up taking physical form, and films depicting homecoming have highly contributed to my disappointment after arriving at Ramsey High.
Almost every year now, we’ve been approached with the idea of a “winter dance,” a proposition meant to compensate for the absence of one of the most clichéd and awaited high school experiences that kids actually look forward to. And every year, without fail, no one goes, and it gets canceled.
When the APUSH teacher was asked, who attended the Ramsey School District herself, she revealed that they actually had a homecoming during their years at the school. She not only attended them but also described them as the “best nights of the school year.” She then noted that she believes it should 100% be brought back to the high school to return the fun of dressing up and having a good time with friends.
Additionally, I questioned three girls in my study hall who were in their junior and sophomore years. Each was enthusiastic about the idea of a homecoming, describing it as a fun way to embrace school spirit and start off the year on a positive note that would bring together students and staff to form a sense of community.
Finally, I asked a boy in his junior year here at Ramsey, who said that he felt a homecoming would be a nice addition to our schedule. He described it as an average high school experience that could be fun for everyone. Furthermore, he noted that given the town’s emphasis on school spirit, it would make sense for them to establish an event that would be significantly beneficial for Ramsey pride, which students genuinely want to partake in.
It’s evident that kids and even teachers in our school, of all different genders, ages, and cliques, want a homecoming. We want the football game, the dance, the pep rally, the court, the spirit week, and all else that comes with it. It brings the school community together, fosters school spirit and pride, and can be a great experience for the entirety of the student body that creates lasting memories and strengthens the connection between generations of students and the community.
