As the crisp autumn air settles in, high schools across the country gear up for one of the most anticipated events of each school year: Homecoming. On September 28, 2024, Sierra Vista High School held their “Lovers and Friends” themed Homecoming, inspired by the famous music festival that celebrates the connection, joy, and community music brings to the world.
When students arrived at the dance, they were immediately greeted with the Homecoming nominees’ voting boxes. At the doors, students cast their votes for the nominee in their favor, allowing the voting process to be quick and easy. Each nominee artistically decorated their boxes, adding to the Homecoming spirit and competition.
The Student Council transformed the main quad into a dance floor, complete with colorful spotlights that illuminated the grounds and a massive DJ booth blasting music. Bringing the best hits to the mixer, SV-Beats DJ, Kaya Holland, got the party started, cycling through a mix of 90s classics to this year’s trending hits. Students were notably excited for Playboi Carti’s trending song “FE!N,” Ty Dolla $ign, Ye, and ¥$’s “CARNIVAL,” and Kendrick Lamar’s iconic “Not Like Us” clapback to Drake. Additionally, Student Council transformed the cafeteria into a dark dancing room, reminiscent of a hidden underground club. Students grooved to the mix of classic hits and rave beats the sound booth played. The cafeteria also served as a rest area, with plenty of tables and chairs lined up on the side.
Homecoming amazed students from the setup to the music, but most importantly, the food. Cookie tables were set up on the side of the quad, providing a sweet treat for those who needed a quick energy boost. Refreshment stations were also available, offering cold beverages and water to keep students hydrated. Along with that, students were provided Raising Canes inside the cafeteria near the tables and chairs, making a comfortable space for those who wanted to take a break from the dance floor and enjoy a delicious meal.
For those looking for a fun photo opportunity, the 360 photo booth near the banker and printed photo booth in the culinary hall were both popular attractions. The 360 photo booth gave students the opportunity to showcase their Homecoming outfits with silly accessories on the side. On the other hand, students were able to take printed photos in front of a “Lovers & Friends” banner to backdrop each photo. Both photo booths gave students the opportunity to capture moments that would last a lifetime.
Arguably one of the best moments of the night, Student Council presented the winners of Homecoming Court. As the long-awaited moment finally arrived, Student Council awarded Alex Vega (9) and Sloan McGuire (9) as Homecoming Lord and Lady, John Ramos (10) and Elli Trillo (10) as Homecoming Duke and Duchess, Alijah Santiago (11) and Jocelyn Ayson (11) as Homecoming Prince and Princess, and finally crowned Christian Rebolledo (12) and Francine Andrion (12) as Homecoming King and Queen. As the clock struck 10 PM, Sierra Vista High School closed out Homecoming with a bang, setting off fireworks into the sky, illuminating the students watching from below.
Student 2nd Body and Head of Dances, McKenzie Gidge, played a crucial role in preparing for Homecoming and heavily involved herself in the organization of the event. Gidge shares “I may be biased but getting the experience to plan and execute Homecoming this year was my favorite part! Seeing the whole process of Homecoming is so exciting and knowing something I did was seen and enjoyed by most of the students made it so much more enjoyable. I am so grateful for the people in my student council supporting me the whole way and taking some weight off my shoulders, specifically my co-chair Nora Baltera made the whole experience so exciting! In my opinion, it turned out to be better than I would have thought and I wouldn’t change anything!”
As the night grew late, Sierra Vista High School’s “Lovers and Friends” Homecoming came to a spectacular close. The night ended with a surprise fireworks display that lit up the sky above the school. Students cheered and danced as the colorful explosions filled the air, a fitting finale to a night of music, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
