Eight years ago, Student Government had the sole say in picking out the Homecoming theme. Now, however, the junior class picks the Homecoming theme for the following year when they will be seniors.
First, Mrs. Jessica Miliffe, junior class advisor meets with the rising seniors where she goes over the rules for themes and the themes from the past ten years. Students can also propose themes at the meeting for discussion.
“Most of those seniors have been here since seventh grade, and you don’t want to repeat a theme unless you absolutely loved it and need it for your senior year,” Mrs. Miliffe said. “Most of the time they try to do something a bit different.”
After the meeting, Mrs. Miliffe sends the ideas to administration for approval, five themes are approved and make it to a final poll for voting by the soon-to-be seniors.
“I think “Decades” is a theme that our class generally likes because as a prom theme, our class is thinking of doing ‘Roaring 20s’ since we’re graduating in 2020,” senior class representative Matthew McCullough said.
“They really liked the idea of “Decades” even before it was out there that it was the theme,” Mrs. Miliffe said.
After the Senior Advisory Council chooses the theme, SGA turns the concept into reality. They hold a meeting in the summer to review different plans for designs regarding homecoming decorations with “One of a Kind Party Events.” The decorator sends back a proposal in September and SGA makes their suggestions for changes. Within the span of two weeks, the proposal for decorations is final. The decorator only has to worry about coming in four hours early on homecoming night. SGA is in charge of decorating. Administration does not have a part in approving the pieces.
As for funding, administration has a set amount allowed for spending on homecoming and the rest is covered by homecoming ticket sales. SGA does not use homecoming as a fundraising event. It’s just for school spirit.
SGA co-advisors Mrs. Elizabeth Carbone and Mr. Juan Laureano reflected on how planning the event makes them feel.
“The student body at this school always impresses me because they are so devoted to their studies; they’re highly intelligent. They’re extremely academic, and yet, they can get out there and they can boogie,” Mrs. Carbone said. “They show up like superstars all decked out, dancing the night away. They don’t even sit; they don’t even eat. They just want to party, and it’s amazing to me that they can be so studious and go out there and have a great time. So yeah, I feel really thrilled to see them have a good time because I know they don’t do it that much.”
Mrs. Carbone is considering moving the homecoming dance from Signature Grand to campus when the new building is ready to fit the idea of “home coming.”
“It’s great to see the students put away the books for four hours and last year when the lights went on at the end of the dance there was still close to a 100, 150 kids out there so it was a wonderful event, we’re happy to do it every year,” Mr. Laureano said.
