subject: What is Homecoming and how is it celebrated? [print this page] What is Homecoming and how is it celebrated?
Homecoming has been a tradition in the United States since the 1800's. It is an annual celebration for universities, colleges, and high schools to welcome back former residents and alumni of their specific institution. It also is a way of uniting and rallying up current students to support their school. Homecoming typically takes place toward the beginning of the academic year, in either September or October.
The festivities began weeks or months beforehand with the nomination and announcement of the Homecoming Court members. These are senior students elected by their classmates because of their athletic skills, participation in extra-curricular activities, or their contributions to the school. Being on the Homecoming Court puts students in the running to be crowned the Homecoming King or Queen on the actual Homecoming Day. King and Queen are statuses held throughout the remainder of the academic year.
The Homecoming Court is often involved in planning the events for the Homecoming festivities. These take place on Homecoming Day and the week beforehand. The week beforehand typically consists of pep rallies, dress up days, and other assemblies meant to get students into the "school spirit". The actual day involves a parade of the Homecoming court and school marching band, sports events like the Homecoming Day Football game, cultural events and activities to entertain alumni, and a Homecoming Dance at night for students to attend.
The Homecoming Dance is one of the most anticipated nights for many students. It is a formal event where the guys dress up in suits or tuxes and the girls wear their carefully selected Homecoming dress- similar to a cocktail or prom dress. The dance is typically where the King and Queen are officially crowned and take part in a celebratory slow dance.
Overall, Homecoming gives past and present students, parents, teachers, and faculty a chance to gather together, celebrate their school spirit, and enjoy fun and memorable events with each other.
