Homecoming Dance sets high expectations for future school events

Ben Luka Sheddrick and Charlie Fee|October 11, 2022

Elliot Smith

Students of all grade levels crowd the dance floor during Friday’s Homecoming dance.

AWHS hosted its first Homecoming Dance since 2019 on Friday, Oct. 7. The Candyland-themed dance took place from 7-10p.m. in the main and small gymnasiums. In the spirit of the candy-themed dance, AWHS Associated Student Body (ASB) assigned each grade different Starburst colors, with frosh wearing yellow, sophomores wearing red, juniors wearing orange and seniors wearing pink.

For many, this was their first Homecoming at AWHS due to the abrupt halt to social functions as a result of COVID-19. ASB member and junior Maxwell Lefferts experienced his first Homecoming dance Friday night. 

“This is my first homecoming dance. We haven’t had one in the past two years,” he said. “I think [ASB] did a great job planning it. I think everyone dressed up, we sold a ton of tickets,” Maxwell said.

For Wolf Haddad, a senior at AWHS, this was his first homecoming dance since 2019, when he was a freshman.

AWHS junior Eli Wilson rides above the crowd on another’s shoulders. ( Luca Roy)

 “The [Homecoming] that I was in when I was a freshman was the last one the schools had, but I’m having fun [tonight],” Wolf said.

To ensure the safety of students, all bags were briefly searched and students were randomly selected to be breathalyzed upon entering the gym. Along with supervision from administrators, police officers, private security, and staff chaperones, AWHS Peer Resource (PR) students trained as “Safe Leaders” were present, tasked with responding to any student in distress. The “Safe Leaders” wore glowing hearts around their necks, allowing anyone in an uncomfortable situation (such as sexual misconduct) to spot them easily.

The small gym was utilized as an activity and snack area, while the main gym had a DJ and dance floor. A small outdoor area was also available, designated for students to cool off and rejuvenate. SF PROMS —a Student Event Planning Company— played music, and SF BOOTHS provided a photo booth.

Like many other students, sophomore Paloma Russ complimented the DJ’s diverse music selection. 

“I think [Homecoming dance is] super fun… I think the songs that they’re playing are really good, they have a lot of good rap songs and a lot of good old songs that we can all sing to,” Paloma said.

Students agreed that the safety and enjoyment of their peers was the main priority at the event. 

“It’s a little hot in there but it’s pretty fun…I want everyone to be safe and have a good time,” said freshman Lila Peterson.

The 2022 AWHS homecoming dance set high expectations for future school events and dances as the first Homecoming dance for frosh, sophomores and juniors at AWHS. Despite a long hiatus from school dances, AWHS students showed that they haven’t forgotten how to dance.