By Justine Seo ’19, Feature Editor

Homecoming at Newark Academy is a unique affair. Like many other high school homecomings, the day is filled with exciting festivities with returning alumni and a football game, and as the sun goes down, the dance begins.  But the similarities end here. If you had no knowledge of American secondary education dance traditions, were asked to watch ten high school movies set around mid-October, and came to the NA Homecoming, you would most likely be confused.  Where are the elaborate Hoco-Proposals? you’d ask.  And the fierce competition over the crowns?  Of course, we cannot expect every homecoming to mirror the epic battles and intense drama of Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior, but there still exists a very clear distinction between the NA Homecoming and that of most other high schools.

        For one, it is not a common practice to ask someone to the homecoming dance, a  tradition at most other high schools. While prom season at NA brings about a host of promposals, allowing juniors and seniors to display clever puns, lavishly decorated posters, and assorted other surprises and sweet gestures, the same traditions rarely apply when homecoming time rolls around.  Most people go to the dance with a group of friends, and the soundtrack seems to encourage this arrangement instead of couples. The songs are not intended for couple’s dancing: the last slow song, Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls, was played in 2015’s Under The Sea homecoming.  The music is usually fast-paced and exciting; it encourages you to sing out lyrics and accidentally scuff the floor of the Wrightson Gym from your intense dance movies.

        Additionally, the attire and general atmosphere of the NA Homecoming is a far stretch from the long gowns and formal suits one may see in the movies or at many other schools.  While the dress code is semi-formal, there are usually some liberties taken with this term. Students will show up in clothing ranging from what is usually considered semi-formal to articles that aren’t even allowed on Casual Fridays.  In the past, almost every combination of these outfits has been worn to the dance, whether it be a full three-piece suit, a casual dress with tennis sneakers, or sweatshirt and sweatpants. This variety in dress, along with the upbeat soundtrack, give the event a very relaxed feeling; rather than worrying about formalities or looking fancy, students can let loose, socialize with the whole school, and dance.

        The differences give NA’s Homecoming even more excitement and fun. It’s amazing how the gym can be transformed into a completely different place.  When you first walk in, you are immediately taken aback: the landscape has transformed into a starry wonderland with beautiful twinkling lights or a night beneath the waves! Attending Homecoming is an amazing experience. From the inexplicably omnipresent yet comforting bowl of crème puffs beside the door, to the yearly entertainment (a mime and a scarecrow are two past examples), Newark Academy Homecoming is a singularly special experience that everyone should attend!