Homecoming: looking back and looking forward

It’s easy to imagine how students are already excited and hyped up for homecoming. Indeed, in a school, homecoming is a big and exciting event. During the homecoming week, students, faculty members, and alumni gather together for a parade, dance, and sports competition. Homecoming not only brings joy and energy to a student's life, but it also strengthens the bond between the entire school community.

Though most students are familiar with homecoming, only a small number know the history behind it. The history of homecoming can be traced back to the early 20th century. A century later, in 2025, the popular events of homecoming might have shifted, but the purpose and spirit of it will never change. The idea of homecoming was first proposed and practiced by the University of Missouri. Zooming back to the fall of 1911, the university’s football team was having a match with the University of Kansas at the start of the season. The athletic director of the University of Missouri by that time was Chester Brewer. In order to boost the morale of athletes, Brewer decided to invite the alumni to “come home.” This started the century-long tradition of homecoming. After that, universities like Baylor University and the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana took on this tradition. Some popular homecoming events are homecoming football games, homecoming parades, and homecoming dances. Eventually, the idea of homecoming made its way to American high schools, and in different schools across the country, the form of homecoming is different. 

At Stevenson, homecoming usually includes football games, a homecoming dance, and a special spirit week. When mentioning homecoming at Stevenson, the thing that first pops into people’s minds is usually the homecoming dance. In an interview, current junior student Adele Lee said, “I loved both of the homecoming dances in the past two days because I made such unforgettable memories with my friends.” After that, she adds, “I love it when everyone is so enthusiastic and puts their energy and time into dressing up.” Another junior student, Olivia Huang, shared similar thoughts. When asked about an event that she enjoyed, Huang pointed out that it was the homecoming dance. Later on, she explained it’s because the homecoming dance “gives people opportunities to look formal and creative.” Within interviews with people from different grades, a similar theme of creativity and enthusiasm was shared in their responses. Indeed, homecoming at Stevenson was often tied with fervor, excitement, devotion, and high engagement. 

With the rapid development of society, homecoming has now become more diverse. Dating from the year homecoming was first practiced, a century has passed. Homecoming, which was developed in a football game, is now more closely related to dancing and dressing up. The focus point of it might shift, but the spirit of it will never change. When it was invented, its primary goal was to connect the community through sports matches. Now, in modern-day universities and at Stevenson School, homecoming still ties people together, but in different ways. During the homecoming week, students can engage in different activities based on what they like. And no matter what activity a student decides to participate in, they will eventually gain a sense of belonging.

When homecoming is over, school will become calm like usual school days. But remember, the memorable moments shared between everyone will never be forgotten. In the next few weeks, let's count down to the arrival of homecoming. When the day actually comes, laughter and cheers will fill the campus.