High schools throughout the nation have long maintained the tradition of homecoming. Week-long celebrations, leading up to a Friday night football game and a dance, are popular among the student body. Typically, schools celebrate homecoming in the fall- well before prom preparations begin- therefore offering schools an important opportunity to promote the homecoming dance itself. 

The Bloomington South homecoming tradition currently revolves around a home football game and an informal student gathering- acknowledged as a dance- in the gymnasium immediately following. Although the event is well-advertised and involves a “dance,” South’s homecoming culture should significantly increase, and eventually, become almost as relevant as prom. 

South’s homecoming attendance has gradually decreased, even with publicity. Although annual homecoming football game attendance has remained relatively steady, participation in the homecoming dance has waned, due to lack of social media promotion and student involvement in preparations. 

Although homecoming events have grown popular with underclassmen, minimal junior/senior representation currently exists. However, through extensive outreach, publicized preparations, social media involvement, and a greater atmosphere, homecoming can draw additional crowds, and emerge as a cherished South student tradition. 

At Bloomington High School North, a homecoming football game is hosted on a Friday night, while the dance occurs the very next day. Through this process, North is able to maintain steady homecoming attendance and participation.

As freshmen enter high school, and seniors approach graduation, the importance of developing memorable traditions grows extremely important. Rather than hosting a dance on the day of the football game, South should prioritize the football game on Friday night- a move previously suggested by the student body- and move the dance to Saturday night. Through this process, South can reinvent its homecoming tradition.