This year, Aragon will host its first Homecoming since COVID-19 hit. Now, it is even more essential to have a memorable and festive Homecoming. Last year, as a freshman, I had not even heard of Homecoming or set foot in Aragon. The fact that there will be Homecoming this year is new and exciting.
Homecoming is part of the traditional American high school experience. It is a chance for students to connect, or reconnect, with Aragon’s school spirit, especially for freshmen and sophomores who have yet to experience it.
In September, 89% of Aragon students were vaccinated, and student vaccination rates continue to rise. However, the threat of COVID-19 remains, and it is unavoidable that Homecoming this year will look different from previous years.
It is homecoming tradition to dress up for the dance, and people have been styling dresses and shoes for months leading up to the event. However, unlike previous years, when Homecoming took place inside, this year’s dance will take place outside. The need for sweaters and coats to keep warm will ruin dreams of beautiful clothing.
In past homecoming events, a venue was booked at the College of San Mateo. However, this year, Aragon will host the dance in Center Court. I prefer that the dance takes place at Aragon because it’s a familiar place for students and adds to Aragon’s sense of community. However, I worry that Center Court may be unsuitable for dancing, with its wet grass and slanted ground. With the extra funds saved from not renting an outside venue, Aragon could set up flooring to make Center Court more appropriate for the event.
“Aragon could consider simple measures against COVID-19, like measuring students’ temperatures”
I also question the necessity of the rule forbidding students from leaving the dance before 9:30 p.m. If students are uncomfortable with the cold or bored at the event, they should be able to leave freely. The event should be laid-back and fun, without added restrictions and regulations. At the end of the event, crowds will be forced to rush out to the parking lot before others to avoid the heavy traffic, potentially creating a hazard.
In previous years, the school allowed non-Aragon guests to attend the event. However, this year, to accommodate for COVID-19, non-Aragon students are not allowed to attend the dance. This rule is disappointing for Aragon students who planned to bring friends or ask someone out from another school.
In 2020, the school featured its first ever student DJ for Aragon’s winter formal. I’m excited to see that Aragon found a student DJ again for this homecoming event, as a student DJ better understands what songs Aragon students are familiar with and want to hear, which will create a more welcoming and laid-back atmosphere.
I’m also looking forward to the snacks and the ice cream truck the school is organizing. Food at events always improves the atmosphere, especially if accompanied by a movie. Eating may pose a hazard due to COVID-19, but by moving the dance outside and encouraging mask-wearing, the school can balance fun with safety.
Aragon could consider simple measures against COVID-19, like measuring students’ temperatures at the entry of the event and offering free masks and hand sanitizer to improve student comfort and safety. Homecoming is a special time for high schoolers. Despite the challenges that come with this year’s outdoor dance, I’m looking forward to attending the event.
