School just started and it’s already homecoming: a whole week of fun themes, a pep rally, parade, game, and then the dance. Which means lots of planning and so many school events. It’s always fun and exciting but it can be stressful and exhausting. You have to find an outfit, plan dinner, get ready, find a ride, take pictures, and just to add onto the stress, it’s early this year.
With it being a week early, many students report they aren’t fully prepared with plans and are overwhelmed with many other events scheduled for the same weekend. “Homecoming is always busy with the games and everything,” said Gwen Scotts-Welshe (‘27). “And my team has a cross country meet the morning of homecoming which makes it more stressful. I didn’t even have time to get my dress this year, and I’m worried it won’t come in time.”
Many sports have events the same day. Many students worry they will not have time to get ready and enjoy a good meal with friends. Amelia Elsley (‘27) is on the Skyline crew team and has a busy day of the dance. “On the day that we have homecoming, I also have a regatta. Which means that my day will start around 4am and will go to around 11pm, also making it harder for me to do the whole get ready with friends, dinner and all that. …[Homecoming] will be a very long day for many people and we all just want to enjoy it.” Kaitlyn Rodriguez (‘27) is on the Skyline Pom team and has been practicing a lot and rushing to learn her routine in time. “It’s stressful, too soon, and we’re just getting into school. And I’m not ready for the pep rally pom performance!”
What is the reason for this early homecoming? And how is the schedule decided? Skyline teacher and lead event organizer Anne Bezeau says “We based the homecoming week and game off the SEC football schedule and what weekends we have a home game. So the really really early ones are eliminated, the last game is eliminated for Senior night. Also sometimes a religious holiday falls on the same weekend as well. So that usually gives us 1-2 options that we can pick from. This year homecoming is a week earlier than what we usually do.”
