The initial school dance of the year always brings bright excitement as it finally rolls around. Freshmen stir as their first high school dance approaches, and upperclassmen look forward to another night of singing and dancing, with the overhanging thought that it may be their last high school Homecoming dance.
Glitter, satin, bowties, and suspenders are all finally taken out of the closet for a rare chance to see the moonlight. Signs with catchy sayings and bouquets of flowers are given out by students to one another, and restaurant reservations are made for the night of October 12, 2024.
Part of the annual homecoming traditions are the plans leading up to the dance. Ellie Shimmon, a junior, recalls what she did before attending, “My friend Leanne and both of our boyfriends came over beforehand, and we got ready, ate, and took pictures.”
Photos before the dance are crucial, as throughout the night, makeup and the formal button-ups are removed by sweat and dancing. The large crowds make the protection of all the thoroughly curled hair and neat ties impossible.
“Honestly, I prefer my time getting ready beforehand more than the dance itself. It’s so fun dressing up with your friends while listening to music, and getting nice photos together,” Shimmon emphasizes.
Despite all the excitement, there is still a tang of bittersweet memories as seniors attend their last dance. Reese Holsey reiterates this feeling in saying, “I’m hoping that since we won’t see each other after this year, we’ll have a night without worrying about embarrassment, and just have fun together.”
Immense work is put into setting up the dance, and Wilsonville relies heavily on the volunteering of the Wilsonville community to help the event succeed. Tyler VanAcker, a teacher at Wilsonville High School, is one of the many people investing time into keeping the dance safe and functioning.
VanAcker has volunteered at a dance every year in his teaching career. He alludes, “I enjoy serving the community, and part of that is doing my part to provide students with the ability to connect in a non-academic way. I think it’s very important for a good teacher to engage with students outside the classroom.”
“Connection creates opportunities for academic progress,” VanAcker states, explaining that this is the idea he based his personal promise to help with extracurricular activities.
Although hard to see, through all the glam and booming music, homecoming is more than just a day to dress up. It’s a day for community. It’s a day where students and teachers alike may set aside work and stress and enjoy one another.
Friends gather to dress up, share shoes, makeup, and help with last minute adjustments. Teachers connect with kids on a different level, no longer just as educators, but rather, supportive mentors who organize healthy, fun interactions for students outside of academic settings.
