For the first time in my high school career, WHS hosted a Homecoming, and it left a lasting impression on my peers and I. Between the football game, spirit week, and dance, the week-long series of events was an exciting way to strengthen our school community and boost school spirit. I loved being a part of this new celebration, and I believe it should become a regular tradition at WHS. 

   Though the week was full of energy and memorable moments, I believe there are some aspects of our Homecoming that could be improved to make future events even better. Many students seemed to share this view.  

   “I think students appreciated the chance to come together, even if there were some flaws,” senior and Homecoming head director Bella Fleming said. “The night hinted at the potential for Homecoming to become a staple in the years ahead.” 

   The football game leading into the dance created an energetic atmosphere, but I think the timing also drew mixed reactions. In my opinion, it felt like the first week of school was too soon to take on such a big event. 

   “Personally, I didn’t like it too much because I was tired after the game,” senior Owain Hawkes said. “I would  rather it be pushed back a week so people have time to get used to school.” 

   I could see that teachers shared the excitement, though they also acknowledged the struggles of organizing a first time event. 

   “It can be challenging to encourage students to come to an event that has never been done before, because they don’t know what it is going to be like,” Lordan said. 

   This comment echoed a broader sentiment for me, that the excitement was there, but the scheduling was demanding. Although I think the timing of this event was challenging, some said otherwise.

   “It was great for the first year of homecoming at WHS,” junior Eva Ferris said.     

   Overall, I think this event was a promising start. With adjustments, like finding a better time in the school calendar, I think Homecoming could grow into something students truly enjoy. The foundation has been set, the challenge now is refining it so the tradition can thrive. 

   “It was a good way to welcome the first years into our school and bring everyone back to campus in the first week,” Lordan said. 

   I also believe while the cafeteria was convenient for the Homecoming’s first venue, I think it lacked the atmosphere that could have made the event even more special. 

   “I think there should have been more decor,” sophomore Maya Wong said. “It could have made the event more visually appealing.”

   However, one popular spot was the courtyard for me. It gave students a break from the crowded dance floor, and in general, it was amazing to see how many people utilized that space, particularly the ping pong tables put out there. I didn’t get the opportunity to play, but I did watch some of the intense match-ups occurring. 

   “Some people don’t like being as social as other students, so it was good to get that space to have fresh air and escape from the loud noise,” Wong said.

   The first Homecoming was full of energy and brought all grades together, and I think future dances could be even more lively if more upperclassmen participated.

   “I wish the upperclassmen were more involved because they only came for around 15 minutes,” Fleming said. 

   I agree, as adding more juniors and seniors could make the event feel fuller and more spirited, setting a stronger tone for the night. 

   Overall, I think homecoming proved that students at WHS are definitely ready to come together and have fun.

   “My inspiration to bring the new tradition of Homecoming to the high school was the fact that Weston is such an academically driven community, and we lack the enthusiasm to show up and show out for each other regarding games and activities,” Fleming said.  

   I saw how many people showed up and it’s clear that this new tradition has a lot of potential to become a highlight of students’ year. Even with the small flaws, the first Homecoming showed that creating new traditions is worth the effort. 

   “Overall Homecoming was really good, it was a fun outing,”  junior Mathew Tilton said. “I can’t wait to see what’s next.”