Kaiser High School’s annual Homecoming Dance took place on October 19 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., creating a memorable evening for Kaiser students.
The event opened exactly at 5:30 p.m.; however, students arrived closer to 6 p.m. The first thing students were required to do was check-in. The next table offered additional free accessories such as glasses that light up, light sticks, and reusable cups.
After the cafeteria got dark and switched into a party mode, people walked inside and started dancing. As more and more people arrived, the room filled with an energetic atmosphere.
Some opinions were shared about the decorations in the cafeteria. One of them was from Miya Darnall, a sophomore student. She tries to join as many school events as possible since she loves making memories with friends and experiencing as many happy moments in life as she can. Darnall shared her expectations before arriving at the event: “I was expecting our cafeteria to be decorated with balloons and everything gold.”
The cafeteria didn’t have decorations all around it, but it did have signs made out of balloons that said “HOCO 24K.” The rest of the decorations were created using the different colors of light coming from spotlights. Additionally, there was light from light sticks and cameras at the photo booths. On the way to the photo booths stood long lines of people waiting for their turn to take a funny picture.
Next to the photo booths were tables with accessories; they contained different-sized glasses, hats, signs, and more. It was a chance for students to get silly and dress up with anything creative they could find on the table. The photo booths were a good opportunity for friends and couples to take memorable pictures, especially for seniors, for whom this was the last Homecoming Dance.
As the pictures were taken, the loud sound of music forced everyone to start dancing and moving toward the crowd and DJ. The songs changed frequently, but it didn’t stop students from sweating. As some people became tired and sweaty, they searched for water, which was located outside.
Moving outside, the music from a speaker created a peaceful atmosphere since the songs were more romantic and calming. Groups of friends sat by the tables or on the stairs and had pleasant discussions with smiles on their faces. Others conversed around the tables with food and drinks.
In the snack area, drinks included sodas and buckets of water. Next to them were small snacks such as chips and Rice Krispies Treats. Miya Darnall shared her opinion on the food choices: “I just wish they had some type of food like pizza, rather than just snacks.”
Switching to drinks, they were consumed more often than snacks for an obvious reason. People who preferred staying inside, surrounded by loud music and crowds, quickly became thirsty and needed air to breathe, which was the only reason they ventured outside that evening.
One of these energetic individuals was Lana Miyamoto, a sophomore, intelligent and hardworking student. She loved dancing and jumping with her friends, some of whom “shopped at Ross for dresses and other places.” She believed she was the most mentally and physically prepared person at the party. “I did a leg workout, so my legs wouldn’t be tired. It worked,” said Miyamoto with excitement.
People outside seemed relaxed and less active than those inside; they made comments about the party. The main reason they stayed outside was that the playlist playing in the cafeteria didn’t impress them. “They should really change the DJ,” said one of the party guests. However, they were having a good time relaxing with friends under an open sky full of stars.
A good number of people were happy with the food and considered the event a good deal for $10. Although many shared enjoyable experiences
with friends, some suggested having more activities and entertainment, such as games.
The party continued until 9:00 p.m. when the DJ switched from lively music to a slow dance. The energetic crowd still found ways to keep their spirits up, even with that music genre. Couples, and even some friends, appreciated the gratifying moment.
Students started leaving closer to 9:20 p.m.; it was the last chance to take a memorable picture, sing the last song, and enjoy one last snack or drink for the evening.
The Homecoming Dance was an event that had something for everyone. Some students found themselves spending their time outside in a peaceful, soothing environment, while others decided to fully immerse themselves in the energetic spirit of the dance.
