Homecoming is almost here, and students are starting to prepare for one of the biggest events of the year. From finding the perfect dress to making dinner reservations and planning pictures with friends, there is a lot to think about before this event. Homecoming is a chance to dress up, spend time with friends and make memories.

 

The Homecoming dance will take place on Saturday, September 26, from 7-10 pm in the LRHS aux gym. Leading up to that, Leesville will have spirit week Tuesday, September 22 through Friday, September 25, with the Homecoming football game taking place that night against Athens Drive.

 

One of the biggest parts of preparing for homecoming is finding the perfect outfit. Many students start looking for their dresses several weeks before the occasion. Some students shop at popular stores in the mall, while others order their dresses online. Websites like Lulus and Windsor have become popular choices because they offer a wide variety of styles for affordable prices.

 

For some students, finding a dress is one of the most exciting parts of homecoming. They spend hours scrolling through different websites, going to stores, and trying on several dresses before finding the right one.

 

Brooke Costello, senior, said, “I started looking for my dress a few weeks before homecoming because I wanted to make sure I had enough time to find something I liked. I ended up getting mine from Lulus, and I’m really excited to wear it.”

 

“I ordered my dress off of Depop, and I am hoping it comes in time. If it doesn’t, I am planning on going to the mall and shopping for one, probably at Windsor,” said Savannah Bakowski, sophomore.

 

For many students, homecoming officially starts at the football game. The Homecoming football game is an important part of the tradition, bringing students together to support their school. Students wear school colors, cheer from the student section and spend time with friends.

 

The football game also gives students a chance to get into the homecoming spirit. Whether they are watching the game, talking with friends in the student section or taking pictures, the atmosphere makes the night feel more special than any other Friday night game.

 

Another part of homecoming that students look forward to is getting ready with their friends. Some groups plan to meet at someone’s house several hours before the dance to do hair and makeup together. Getting ready can become an event of its own, with music playing, everyone helping each other with their outfits and plenty of pictures being taken. 

 

“Every year, me and a few of my friends that are in my group are planning on meeting at my house a few hours ahead of our homecoming plans and getting ready by doing our makeup, our hair, and getting dressed in our outfits,” said Costello.

 

Usually occurring the Saturday after the football game, students have their homecoming plans. One of the most popular traditions is taking pictures and going to dinner. Groups of friends with or without dates often meet at a house, park or another nice location to take photos in their homecoming dresses and suits. Some students decide to go to the dance while others do not.

 

“Me and a big group of my friends are all meeting up to take cute pictures, and then we are planning on going somewhere nice for dinner. After that, we are planning on hanging out at one of our houses with everyone,” said Bakowski.

 

Some students prefer to do something with fewer people, maybe just a few friends or their date.

 

“Me and my girlfriend are planning on going to take pictures and grab dinner at a steakhouse called Perry’s and then go to the Homecoming dance,” said Evan Eaton, senior.

 

With dresses picked out, football games to attend, pictures to take, dinners planned and after parties being organized, students have plenty to look forward to. Homecoming can be stressful because there are so many plans to make, but it is also one of the nights students will remember as a highlight of their high school years.