Homecoming is a significant tradition throughout American High School. The school spirit battles, proposal posters, dances, competitions and more.
Among this is the biggest competition of the entire event, homecoming court. Seniors put in suggested names and vote who will take home the title of Homecoming King and Queen.
The competition is one of the best memories from high school, watching the nominees go down on the football field all dressed up and hearing their interests and why they should be selected. This tradition is enjoyable for everyone, but it holds special significance for the seniors on the court.
“It is always something I have thought of, getting to go down on the football field and all of the little things makes it a fun experience and definitely will make some lasting memories,” Landree Simon said.
For seniors, this tradition can be a milestone that carries deep meaning and everlasting memories. It represents not only the peak of their high school years but also a reflection on relationships they have made along the way.
“It means a lot that my classmates picked me when they heard they could nominate someone, and as shocking as it was, I am grateful I get to experience this with friends,” Haydon Benson said.
Senior year is marked by a series of “lasts,” things like the last day, the last football game, the last traditions and fun events, and eventually graduation. Getting to be on homecoming court for their last homecoming can be an amazing memory for seniors and an overall fun memory to look back on.
Homecoming, being an early major event in the school year, can have special significance for seniors as it represents their final opportunity to fully engage in the tradition.
“I am sad because this will be my first homecoming and also my last. I almost feel like I have a lesser advantage to win homecoming king, but I think it would be cool to beat the odds and win my first homecoming,” Kros O’Brien said.
Homecoming begins with a week of spirit activities and dress-up days for all grades to participate in. The competition of who is best dressed and what class stepped up and blew everyone away with their outfits. Then the parade through Rathdrum, where all the sports, extracurricular activities, and homecoming court show off their spirit.
Coming in at the end of the week is the pep rally to get everyone pumped for the game and the game where everyone is in good spirits and hyped to win. During halftime, the competition begins. The votes are in and the pressure is on.
“Who will win?” This is the question asked throughout the stands as everyone watches with anticipation. Finally, the winners are announced and everyone cheers.
For the homecoming king and queen, this moment symbolizes recognition from their peers. The validation of the social and emotional bonds they have made with them throughout these last four years comes to a remembrance.
Then on Saturday comes the dance.
Students get dressed up in their best semi-formal attire and dance the night away with their friends and peers.
Who these seniors are on court with is a fun memory for couples and even just friends who got paired together.
“I am on court with my boyfriend Kros O’Brien, so I am really excited to make new memories with him and have something to look back on,” London Peterson said.
While homecoming court is usually seen as a couple’s event, being friends on the court can be a fun memory for the future.
“I am on the court with Rylee Dragon, I have known her since freshman year and we have always been cool. She is a good person to be paired up with,” Benson said.
Homecoming is not just about individuals but also the collectivity. Homecoming court is often paired with the support of friends, classmates, and teachers.
It can encourage unity among the senior class.
The communal bond is essentially important during senior year, while students start to anticipate the major changes coming up, such as graduation and their plans for after high school.
“It is a little sad thinking that this will be my last homecoming, but I am excited because I am ready to graduate and move on to new things,” Peterson said.
This year’s homecoming court nominees are:
Haydon Benson and Rylee Dragon
Liam Coffey and Landree Simon
Crash Kirby and Layla Benson
Kros O’Brien and London Peterson
Levi Pallas and Ruby Macintosh
Make sure to place your vote for homecoming king and queen and good luck.
