A month ago, in September, Osbourn High School’s homecoming dance opened its doors. People of all grades, freshmen to seniors, all came to the dance for different reasons.
For some, it was their first-ever homecoming and the first big event of their life in high school. Many were excited about it but didn’t know what to expect. When they arrived, however, they found the true experience of the homecoming dance to be very exciting. “The pictures, the pictures were amazing. I liked the screen that we took the pictures on, and how they told us what to do. It was easy to get the pictures and get them sent to your phone,” said Amanda Kennedy, a freshman.
Most students decided to go with their friends, and for some, that was what truly made their night. “I went with my friends, I think that my friends made it memorable, and when I got the pictures of me and my friends, I put them on my wall,” said Kennedy.
In fact, a lot of people went just so they could be with their friends. “I went because, well, it was homecoming. I also went because my friends were coming,” said James Kennedy, a senior.
Despite the many freshmen and newcomers that went to this homecoming, for some, this is an all too familiar routine. “I have been to every homecoming except for my freshmen year because of COVID-19,” said Claudia Flores, a senior and homecoming ticket seller.
The theme of not going to homecoming because of COVID-19 is also felt by other students. “The only homecoming I have been to was my junior year one because of COVID-19,” said James Kennedy, a senior. “Although, this one was better because the music was amazing, and we had a photo booth this time. Although, the photo booth stopped working late in the night,” said Kennedy.
The theme of this year’s homecoming was Casino Night, and the theme added to the fun atmosphere of the dance. “The theme and decorations were a lot of fun. I loved throwing the money at the people dancing,” said Kennedy.
“This wasn’t my first homecoming because I went last year. I enjoyed this one more because I think the theme contributed to the exciting atmosphere because this homecoming was much more exciting,” said Noah Nicoletti, a sophomore.
The theme of Casino Night was chosen through polling throughout the entire student body. “I was a part of the team that planned the whole event,” said Flores. “The way that we came up with the theme is that we came up with a ton of ideas and then polled for it,” said Flores.
“We were more prepared than we were last year. It was very chaotic while selling the tickets. The first week sold just 50 per day, the second week we sold 70 per day, and the last week we sold around 100 per day. I think that as time passed, people became more and more excited for homecoming,” said Flores.
For some students, this homecoming was a new, exciting glimpse into the high school experience. “I definitely want to go to homecoming next year. It was a good first impression,” said Kennedy.
But for some, this was their last homecoming of high school. “Me and my friends all took pictures together. I’m glad I have those so I can remember it, considering that it is my last homecoming,” said Flores.
