In an email sent out to students on Oct. 4, Niles West announced that this year’s Homecoming theme is masquerade! The email also mentioned that this year’s Homecoming will include new activities this year. All things considered, this year’s homecoming sounds way more exhilarating than last year’s.

Homecoming last year was a hot mess and was so unorganized it made my head spin. The night started off fine with the DJ blasting music (that’s to be expected) and people taking pictures at the photo booths near the doors. However, as the night went on people got bored, the gym where everyone was dancing got hotter, and the cookie stand ran out of cookies! The night was way too dull for 25 dollars.

But if the school stays true to its word, students should expect a lively night this year. The Google document that was linked in the email said the school would be adding air hockey, arcade games and a mechanical bull! The food situation isn’t exactly clear in the Google document but it said, “There will be light concessions available included in the price of your ticket.” It’s unclear if Homecoming will still have photo booths and the only mention of photos is “IG-worthy photo opportunities.” But I would personally rather have a mechanical bull than a photo booth. Altogether, this year’s homecoming sounds way more fun.

The theme this year is masquerade and compared to last year’s chromatica theme, it’ll be way better. The theme chromatica was so confusing and bland that no one really dressed for the theme. But masquerade is simple and elegant. Not only will it give people who don’t really want to put much effort into their outfit an easy mission, which is to find a mask, but it would also give people who want to dress to the nines a way to do that as well. The theme is also a cliche from a lot of high school movies and will make homecoming feel cinematic. The theme is also appropriate for the season because it’ll put people in the Halloween mood. Masquerades obviously consist of masks which are another form of costume, so it’ll reflect the upcoming holiday but not feel too centered around Halloween. Masquerade is the perfect theme because it’s achievable, classic and on-brand for this season. 

Homecoming will take place in Niles West’s gyms and cafeteria on Oct. 21. Tickets will be sold online and in school during homecoming week, Oct. 16 to Oct. 20, for twenty-five dollars. At the door, tickets will be thirty-five. Make sure to wear a mask and have fun!