Homecoming is a precious time of the school year when alumni return, current students showcase their united spirit, and the local community comes together in celebration. These common themes that crop up each year have created certain traditions that foster this sense of belonging and pride for the students.
This article will look at some of the most beloved homecoming traditions and what makes each one special.
Homecoming Court
The Homecoming Court is where you can nominate and elect students to the court along with your peers through a voting process. The court typically includes a Homecoming King and Queen, along with princes and princesses representing different grades or groups. During the parade or dance, these members are introduced in a specially decorated vehicle or float.
What Makes It Special
This tradition is special because it honors students who represent leadership, unity, and community involvement. It’s not about the most popular kid being chosen, it’s about recognizing those who are making a positive impact on your school environment.
Parade
Homecoming parades involve student groups collaborating with local businesses and community organizations to create floats according to a yearly theme. It also includes marching bands, cheerleaders, and other performers who entertain the crowd along the route.
What Makes It Special
The parade is the perfect opportunity for you to showcase your creativity. It takes a lot of effort to decorate the floats, but the sense of festivity, excitement, and pride it brings during the march is worth it.
Tailgate
Tailgating is a popular pre-game activity where students, alumni, and families gather in a designated area before the homecoming football game. You can set up grills, prepare food, watch the games, and have a good time socializing with your favorite people. You can also cheer for your team and get the crowd all pumped up for the big game.
What Makes It Special
Tailgating fosters a sense of camaraderie and community before the homecoming game. This is where you can relax, connect, and share a meal with your fellow students, alumni, and other community members.
Homecoming Picnic
Homecoming picnics are casual gatherings held on school grounds or in local parks where you can enjoy various activities, including food, games, and entertainment. Students, alumni, and their families can come together, engage, and catch up with one another.
What Makes It Special
This picnic provides a more informal and laid-back setting for homecoming festivities. With the air constantly charged with energy, a picnic is the perfect backdrop for you to enjoy the company of your peers without any competitiveness or formalities in the way.
Homecoming Game
This is the big event that everyone—students, alumni, and community members—looks forward to. As tradition goes, you can dress up in school colors and cheer with the cheerleading squad to support the school’s team against its rival. During halftime, the school’s and alumni bands often perform their numbers.
What Makes It Special
The Homecoming Game is the focal point of the week’s celebrations. This event surpasses typical athletic competitions by focusing more on the sense of community in that particular school. The decorations, themed attire, and the cheering and chanting reinforce the sense of togetherness that is vital in any educational institution.
Homecoming Dance
The homecoming dance is often the concluding event of the week where you can dress formally and enjoy a relaxing evening of music, dancing, and socializing. It often includes special touches like a photo booth, a live band, or even a special guest DJ.
It’s the perfect time to wear a memorable homecoming dress (we recommend checking out Sherri Hill’s options) and make the night unforgettable.
What Makes It Special
The homecoming dance is a glamorous and celebratory conclusion to the homecoming week. This is the final chance to have fun before you return to your regular school days.
Make Your Homecoming Night Last Forever
As your homecoming night draws close, take a moment to savor the memories you’ve created. It’s bound to be a high-pressure week packed with various activities, but all these moments make homecoming so special. Take these memories with you wherever you go! The spirit of this night will last forever.