By Aye Akara Aung
Photo by Aye Akara Aung
One of the most anticipated events of the year, the Willow School Homecoming 2023 dances, one for 8th-9th grades and another for 10th-12th grades, was a night to remember filled with joy, music, and food. There was not a dull outfit in sight.
The New Orleans Lakefront airport hosted the 10th-12th grade dance, and the Willow gym held the dance for 8th and 9th grades.
Before the events even started, students of all grades were given the chance to vote for who gets to be homecoming court among their peers. After days of waiting and voting, this year’s homecoming court members were Padgett Payne and Aubrey Dixon for 8th grade, Chloe Dorsey and Clementine Foster for 9th grade, Brea Ellis and Sadie Bruno for 10th grade, Aubry Snipes, Marbella Maristany, Caitlin Bruno, and Noah Henderson for 11th grade, and, last but obviously not least, Keelen Landrum, Heaven Stewart, Alena Brimmer, and Fa’ryn Jones for 12th grade.
“This homecoming was so much better, bruh,” said sophomore Harlan Bush, happy to finally be attending the upperclassman dance.
“It was cool,” said sophomore Lillian Bayson.
“Homecoming was awesome!” exclaimed sophomore Miranda Barnes. “The food was good this time!” exclaimed an anonymous junior.
Students who went to the 8th-9th grade dance also had some positive feedback.
“One of the best nights of the year!” said an anonymous freshman.
“Planned out well, and so much fun,” said Elena Cortizas.
Even though feedback was mostly positive, there were a few specific issues at both dances for students who seem unaccustomed to being in large groups in a non-school day setting. “The mosh pit was hot and sweaty,” said sophomore Jordan Marks, actually describing the characteristics of a successful mosh pit.
“I felt cooped up in there,” said an anonymous eighth grader.
An event like this is not complete without some food. After all, who wouldn’t be famished while having fun? The 10th-12th graders were fed sandwiches, fruits, and a variety of cookies, as well as a soda bar ranging from Coke to Sprite and water for non-soda drinkers. For the 8th-9th graders, Canes’s fried chicken, cakes, and cookies were offered with water.
Overall, this year’s homecoming was a fun and positive experience for most people. Even though some realized close quarters dancing with peers may not be their thing, it was definitely a night to think about and, for most, remember fondly.
