Was this year’s homecoming a hit or a miss? It depends on who you ask. For some, it was a fun night full of memories, but others left early or didn’t go at all.

For most, the night was less about the dance itself and more about the people they were with. Freshman Sophia Parra shared, “Honestly, HOCO was such a good time. The best part wasn’t even the music or the dances. It was just being there with my friends. We got ready together and took way too many pictures. It was one of those nights where I was just surrounded by the best! And we all made unforgettable memories.” Her experience reflected what a lot of students felt: that it’s the social moments before and during the event that made it fun, even if the actual dance didn’t blow people away.

Freshman Lucy Chollman agreed. “I think homecoming was pretty worth it! Meeting up with my friends and seeing everyone dressed up were my favorite parts of the night,” she said. Still, she noted room for improvement: “It would be helpful if they had drinks or snacks. That would definitely add to the fun, maybe even booths with activities or more things to do.”

One of the most common criticisms? The lack of food “There’s never food,” said Fabiola Monge, a senior. “There was even food at the middle school dances. And they always play the same songs.” For students who’ve attended HOCO before, the a repetition and a lack of small touches like snacks or beverages.

Some students chose not to attend at all. Reasons ranged from not wanting to spend the money to feeling like the dance wasn’t going to be worth it. Others went but didn’t stay long, saying the energy dipped quickly.

Still, most agreed that homecoming isn’t a total loss. Whether you stayed the whole night or left early, the best memories came from being with friends. Dancing, laughing, and just soaking in the moment, even if the playlist wasn’t perfect or the decorations weren’t everything.

Homecoming means different things to different people. Some are there to dance, some to socialize. But what’s clear is that students want more from the experience, more variety, more engagement, and maybe just a little more effort to make the night feel truly special.