Does a contest among students really boost school spirit?
Every year at State High, students spend hours doing their hair, picking out their best outfit and making floats for homecoming festivities. Homecoming has been a lasting tradition in the United States for over 100 years, first starting as a tradition for universities. The tradition began spreading to high schools in the 1920’s and 30’s. Usually, the festivities include parades, a homecoming game, a dance and the crowning of a homecoming king and queen. But what makes a viable homecoming queen or king? Their looks, or their attribution to the community?
An election where students compete to win against their peers is not the community-building aspect that schools need. Can an old, fun tradition actually lead to students feeling hurt? And is it still necessary in modern times? These are all questions that State High students have on their minds as homecoming has come to a close.
“It feels like a big popularity contest,” junior Maya Wargo said on the topic of homecoming court. “If you are more popular, you are gonna get more votes. If you’re less popular, you may not get voted. I also think it can make other people insecure if they are not chosen for court or crowned king or queen.”
Many schools are shifting away from this narrative of stereotypical homecoming king and queen as social standards change in the 21st century.
“…schools now invite students to apply for the homecoming court, and among other things, require the submission of GPAs and transcripts. In some cases, interviews with faculty and alumni are required,” reported Deseret News in an article from 2023. State High is not among the schools that have changed who runs for king and queen.
The homecoming king and queen should represent the community of the school. The whole concept of homecoming king and queen also does not include students who identify differently. The topic of inclusivity has been a controversial topic about the tradition at high schools all around the country.
Natalee Hoffman, a junior who moved to State College during the middle of her freshman year, compares what homecoming looked like at her old school to State High. “There was a lot less community involvement. There was a homecoming court, but you didn’t know about it unless you knew the people on the court,” Hoffman said.
State High’s homecoming parade and game spark a lot of buzz from the State College community. Float building and the game are team-building activities for clubs and teams. Families line the streets of town, cheering on students and admiring the parade floats. Students fill the student section to support the football team. These aspects of homecoming bring excitement and connection to State High and the State College community as a whole. The homecoming court does not necessarily have the same effect. It also creates tension among seniors running on the court and among students on who they vote for.
“I think there’s a bit of pressure for some people at the core of it, for Abby and I. Abby has more pressure because her family has a history of winning this kind of thing, which is really interesting,” Nicholas Marzka, a 2025 homecoming court nominee speaking for him and his girlfriend, Abby Richey, said. “Everyone wants to be homecoming queen, right?”
The aspect of homecoming and school pride is definitely important in today’s society. Homecoming court may be another story. All in all, the tradition lasts at State High, but change is always a possibility. Homecoming started as a way to strengthen the bond between students and welcome back alumni. The homecoming court is not used for its intended purpose, to build a strong community, but the supposedly fun tradition to boost school spirit continues to last.
