Homecoming is right around the corner, and this year is the first time it will be taking place since 2020. Because of this, many people are planning on attending the event.

The Homecoming dance will be held on Saturday, Oct. 9.

“I’m really excited for Homecoming this year. I think it’s a school coming back together, starting new traditions after COVID, kind of like hitting the refresh button and starting over,” Leadership teacher Anne Ray said. “Students get to come together for the first time with a big event and reconnect with each other and get a sense of normalcy.”

Due to COVID, this year Homecoming will be taking place outside in the parking lot next to the football field.

“Masks are not required. I mean masks are always encouraged to be extra safe, but because we have sporting events and what not outside, they are not required for this event,” Ray said. “However, we have a lot more space due to it being outside, so not only do we have the outside component, it’s also more space for students to spread out than if we were in the gym. So it should be a nice safe event.”

There will be tents, outdoor seating, and lights to decorate the space. There will also be food trucks.

Homecoming week will consist of many activities for students to participate in.

There will be an outdoor Pep Rally next Thursday during W4, as well as Movie NIght on Wednesday. Movie Night will be on the stadium field and will start at 7 p.m. They will be showing “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and entry will be free. Concessions proceeds will go towards the Class of 2022.

Homecoming Spirit Week is next week. Each day there will be special spirit themed days such as pajama day and twin day, and on Friday night there will be a Homecoming football game against Mt. Vernon at 7 p.m, the theme is Black Out.

There will also be a Tailgate taking place from 4:30-6:30 p.m. next Friday. There will be dunk tanks, cotton candy, food trucks and other activities.

This year’s Homecoming theme is Black Tie Masquerade.

“I think it’s going to tie in really perfectly with having the lights and the tents and just having something a little bit different this year,” Ray said.

Ticket sales will continue until Friday. Tickets will only be sold online on Myschoolbucks. Tickets cost $15 and a shirt/mask add on will be an additional $10. The dance will be from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m., but students will not be allowed to enter after 9:30 p.m. because the doors will close.