Homecoming Dance

Homecoming is something many people look forward to during their high school years. For the Sophomores, it's one of the first traditional dances they’re invited to. For Juniors, it's a celebration of growing up, a right of passage. And for Seniors, it's one of the last big dances they attend before graduation, and a chance to run for Homecoming King or Queen.

Homecoming court always creates a stir among students, be it underclassmen wondering which running seniors will win titles, or hopeful voters eager to see if their favorite candidate will be crowned King or Queen. 

This year, however, Homecoming elections sparked a very different conversation among students. Initially scheduled for Friday's pep rally, the heavily anticipated announcements of King and Queen were postponed until the Homecoming football game at the last minute. Mr. Loughren teased students on stage with an envelope holding the King and Queen winners, building suspense before announcing to the student body that they would have to attend the Homecoming game to find out the results. Despite many people's impatience and desire to know the winners immediately, the Homecoming game's halftime finally arrived, bringing with it the announcement that Dallas Paolino and Maggie Reigle were crowned King and Queen respectively.

During the Homecoming dance, we sat down with Dallas and Maggie to talk about their win:

So, how does it feel to be elected?

Maggie: It's very exciting. I like to think people know who I am. It's nice they picked me out of everybody.

Dallas: It feels great, like I have the school behind me.

Did you think you would beat your competition?

Maggie: I thought there was a good chance, but other people told me there was no chance.

Dallas: No, I didn't. I honestly didn't.

What made you want to run?

Maggie: I thought it would be something cool to do.

Dallas: Just 'cause I felt like all my friends were running, and I felt like it would be a good way to go out [of] my senior year.

Are you proud to represent your school as homecoming queen/king?

Maggie: Oh, yes ! Completely, I'm so happy. I love this school so much.

Dallas: Yeah of course, of course I am.

At the pep rally, what went through your head when it was announced that you had to wait?

Maggie: "Are you kidding me? What?" My heart was beating so fast!

Dallas: A lot of excitement, a lot of anticipation, and then it fizzled out, you know?

What were your thoughts while waiting for the actual announcement at the game?

Maggie: Keep smiling, don't change your face if they say someone else, and then when they said my name I still didn't change my face!

Dallas: I was honestly ready to just get the game back on, because I didn't think I would win. I was excited to start playing again.

Did you do anything to celebrate your win?

Maggie: Yes! I went to The Bottle Shop with my dad, mom, and a family friend.

Dallas: No, I just went home and slept.

The dance itself held an overwhelmingly positive response from the student body. The Alice In Wonderland theme, courtesy of the Sophomore class, was well received at the dance.  The unanimous consensus was that the theme was well executed, with many people admitting that they didn't know how the committee would manage to top it next year. The decorations were especially popular, with the lights on the walls, hanging flowers, and entryway between the CCC and gym being among the most praised elements. Along with the traditional black and white pallet, reds, blues, and golds were common colours for people to come in, and a lot of dresses were covered in beads and gems and glitter. The reflective clothes added to the Wonderland theme, glinting in the light.

Homecoming weekend this year is nicely summarised as being surprising. From the shock of students having to wait for the King and Queen announcements, to the theme turning out to be one of the most popular; one can only guess at what we might be faced with next year.

Grey August Perino, Junior