On Saturday, September 27th, Berkeley High’s annual homecoming dance and football game was an event to remember and a festive occasion for all those who attended. The theme of this year’s homecoming dance was ‘Once Upon A Time,’ which was determined by school-wide voting. Unlike prom, which only juniors and seniors can go to, students of all grades are allowed and encouraged to attend homecoming, making it an event where different age groups come together to show school spirit. While prom takes place in San Francisco, homecoming is hosted at BHS, with the M gym and Donahue gym beautifully decorated and adorned with lights and flowers. A karaoke station and poker table were stationed in the M gym, along with an array of board games and food provided by the ‘Boys Who Cook’ club. BHS’ varsity football team triumphed in the homecoming game, winning for the first time this season, 48-20.
Jane Kelly and Angel Wu, junior class president and vice president, respectively, organized the homecoming event this year along with their class leadership team, made up of the deputies and secretaries. “I think it hasn’t been a huge thing in the past, but I think as years progress, it’s becoming more of a thing that everyone goes to,” said Violet Potts, one of the junior class deputies who was serving free mocktails to students attending the dance, along with the rest of the junior leadership team. “I’m really happy to see all the people here together. I think dancing together, eating together, drinking together really builds community,” Potts said.
Reuben Maimon, a junior in BIHS, and Simon Spinrad, a junior in CAS, were the DJs for homecoming this year, attracting students of all grades onto the dance floor. “DJing for homecoming was very exciting. Me and Reuben were going into it unsure if people were going to be energetic during the dance or not... thankfully my fear did not come to fruition. Reuben and I both felt a lot of energy off the crowd that night,” Spinrad said. “Our approach to song selection is to be aware of what the crowd is feeling, and give them songs that we feel will move them in the right direction... DJing that event definitely gave us a new appreciation for the community we have at Berkeley High,” Spinrad said.
“People come together, and it’s fun, the whole school spending time together… I think my favorite part is the music,” said Odin Elliot, a junior in BIHS. Two photo booths were also stationed on either side of the dance floor, providing memorable keepsakes for all students.
Attendees noted that Homecoming was not only fun and exciting but brought people together in a way other school events do not. “I think homecoming builds community because you see people from your school in a non-school environment, and everyone’s having a good time and not wearing their regular school clothes,” said Jazzy Taylor, a senior in CAS.
Students mentioned that homecoming gives them the chance to meet new people. “I think [the dance] builds community because you can see your friends and meet new people,” said Lilla Lukacs, a sophomore in AC. “You get to see other people from other grades and hang out with them. And it's a good way to get to know other people who you don't have classes with,” said Eleanor Heslop, a sophomore in IB. “[Homecoming] is a place where people can have fun outside of school, [but still with your classmates,]” said Seiji King, a freshman in U9.
Students also enjoyed homecoming because they had the chance to spend time with all of their friends, including those in different grades. “[Homecoming] is great because people get to hang out together and dance, and it’s not something separate. We’re all together, unlike other things, so we get to talk and [see each other]," said Lily Mitchell, a freshman in U9. “I’m mostly with my friends, but I also have older friends and if they were here I would be hanging out with them too,” Mitchell said.
The spirit week themes leading up to Homecoming were pajama day, jersey vs. jersey shore, Adam Sandler day, pink out, and most anticipated, red and gold day. “It showed school spirit, and the week leading up to it was also showing school spirit, and, we got bonding time with our friends, just celebrating [our school],” said Elena Schutzenmeister, a freshman in Universal 9th grade (U9).