For some people, homecoming— and the spirit days leading up to the dance— is a major highlight of the school year, but this does not hold true for everyone. For the latter, the reasoning behind skipping these school-wide events can range from nervousness to disdain.
“I don’t think it’s a problem if people don’t want to participate in homecoming,” senior Kanika Sahai said. “If you don’t like the spirit days, you shouldn’t have to dress up.”
The point of spirit week is to get students geared up and excited for homecoming; this year’s week culminated with an afternoon pep rally before the football game that signified an end to the festivities. While a great number of students came to school dressed in previously chosen colors to support their class on Friday, other days didn’t garner as much support.
“In past years, I haven’t dressed up on every day, just because I didn’t like some of the spirit days,” Sahai said in regards to opting out of some days, but not others. “I kind of wish that the classes had more of a decision on what the spirit days were.”
While it would appear that the majority of students are game for the fun and feeling of inclusion that the week brings, there are those that prefer to make their own plans rather than attend the dance, or participate in spirit days. It is not mandatory to go to the dance or to dress up during spirit week— while homecoming is meant to welcome students back to school after a long summer vacation, participation is not required of everyone.
“I wouldn’t go to the dance because school dances aren’t really my thing, so I understand why some people didn’t go,” junior Phil Quinn said.
Homecoming will always be a part of high school tradition, but it isn’t for everyone.