Niles West High School will have its Homecoming on Oct. 21, where students will gather in the main gym and dance their hearts out. Leading up to the dance, a pep assembly will take place on Friday with performances by Niles West Orchesis, Dance team, and more.
The theme for Homecoming is a masquerade ball, where students are allowed to wear masks during the dance, but can’t wear one when entering. The Homecoming organizers this year wanted to appeal to all students, so based on student feedback collected via electronic survey, homecoming will include a dance, a mechanical bull, inflatables, pool and air hockey tables, arcade games and a quiet lounge area. These new add-ons were an attempt by the organizers to be more inclusive and appealing to the wolfpack.
“For homecoming, I’m really excited being that it is my last homecoming at this school. I also like the idea of it being a masquerade because it gives almost a mysterious vibe. With the new activities that were added, I feel that they give the homecoming more of a festival vibe rather than it being an actual dance. However, the new activities could be fun and eventful for some, but also kind of uncomfortable for those who are wearing dresses because they won’t be able to go on the mechanical bull,” Homecoming Court nominee and senior Niyah Lewis said.
As for the Homecoming Court, students will have the opportunity to apply to represent one of the following parts of the wolfpack: academics/student life, activities, arts or athletics. Staff will review the applications and narrow it to five students from each category. This will make for a total of 20 students.
“I got nominated for the athletics category, and I also feel like it is going to be a fun homecoming week considering my last one. I really want to make the best of this homecoming because it is my senior year. I am also excited for the week leading up to homecoming,” Homecoming Court nominee and senior Mackenzie Bickhaus said.
The entire student body will then vote for one final recipient from each category, crowning four Homecoming Royalties.
“I felt it was really important to make this small adjustment to the way we crown Homecoming royalty because there are so many amazing students here and the senior class of 2024 is incredibly special. I wanted to create a structure that allowed the spotlight to shine on more students while also celebrating their accomplishments over their high school career,” Student Activities Director Caitlin Lucci said.
Don’t forget to dress up for spirit week, as well! Have a great Homecoming week, Wolves!
