As the homecoming season fades away and becomes a memory, and the glittering decorations and spirited outfits are put back on the shelf, one question lingers: Should I have had a date? Whether you navigated an unforgettable dance with a special someone or had an exciting night with friends, the number one priority was having a blast at the dance.
Ms. O’Brien, ASB Moderator, touched on how homecoming is such a special experience, and you should choose to spend it with whoever will make it the best experience. “I can understand the appeal of wanting a date, I think that comes from a place of tradition or hearing of people taking a date to a dance like in the movies. Honestly, what I think is the most important or can be the most exciting is figuring out what group you’re going with” Whether that is a date or friend, the most essential thing was to enjoy the night!
Charlotte Squires ‘28, a freshman executive on ASB, mentioned in an interview “Having a date was super fun, and everything that came with it was super fun. But I also think that going with friends is totally fun in its own way and you will have a blast either way”. Though there was a lot of pressure to have a date and to dance with them, it is perfectly fine to have gone with friends and in fact, having gone with friends would eliminate so much pressure.
People tend to get caught up in the dance aspect of homecoming and forget what the whole week, dance included, is truly about. Essy Fitsum ‘27 mentioned, “It’s really fun, there are a lot of things to do depending on what place you’re at, but just enjoy yourself and have some fun”. This is a time to have a good time and enjoy yourself, don’t get caught up in the pressure or stress of whether you need a date or not, just have fun. It doesn’t matter what your friends think you should do, be yourself and do what you feel like.
“It’s fun, the school spirit, there is a lot of school spirit the week of. It’s a fun week to let loose and I would encourage people to go to the dance” Xavier Losh ‘26 said in an interview. Homecoming is a time when students rally around their school in pep rallies, spirit week, and sport events. The events bring people together and help foster a sense of belonging which is part of the homecoming magic.
Karina Smith ‘25 claimed “There is unneeded pressure freshman year to get a date. It’s super fun if you end up having one but hanging out with your new friends should be a priority. Don’t get down if you don’t have a date because you have 3 years ahead of you and prom. Hoco is such a fun experience, so make the most of whatever situation you have, date or no date.” She acknowledged the pressure to find a date, which can be overwhelming for freshmen, however hanging out with friends and building meaningful relationships can also be significant.
As you look back on homecoming, remember that the most important part was to enjoy the experience, no matter who you chose to share it with. Whether you ended up dancing the night away with a crush, a close friend, or even going solo, the memories you created will last a lifetime. So, remember, homecoming was a time to embrace the spirit of the season, plan your outfits, and make the most of that special night. After all, homecoming was all about celebrating friendships, making new memories, and enjoying the magic of high school—one dance step at a time!
