PHOTO CREDIT: KARINA MARTINEZ
BY DANIELLA ASPURU
Homecoming has been around since 1909, when Southwestern University held the first formal celebration. Originally it was intended for students that had already graduated to return to their alma mater and reconnect with old friends. Currently, it has become the time of year for college and high school students across the country to celebrate their school. This tradition is usually a week long and includes a spirit week, homecoming football game, parade and lastly the dance.
Homecoming is a time for celebration, but unfortunately not all kids can participate. With so many activities going on, expenses mount up and many kids simply cannot afford the costly events. The priciest of all the events seem to the dance. Not only are students paying for an $80 ballroom ticket, but also they have to pay for expenses such as a dress/tuxedo, party bus/limousine, shoes, grooming, after party, and etc. Unfortunately, those in the low income bracket are unable to participate. Shouldn’t all students be able to show pride in their school and celebrate with their peers? If affordability was a consideration for homecoming dance tickets, a higher percentage of students would participate in the festivities.
How can the costs be cut down? One way is to keep the homecoming dance at home instead of renting out an expensive ballroom. At Cooper City High School, we have a beautiful and fairly new cafeteria that would be more than acceptable to utilize for these special occasions. The use of the school’s resources would considerably cut down ticket costs, which would in turn make the dance open to everyone.
Yes, one could argue that the price of the tickets is due to the lack of fundraising. If the price really depended upon fundraising funds, there are a multitude of was the school could try to earn money. For example, fundraisers at restaurants such as Chipotle, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, and John the Baker would be successful. If putting down homecoming tickets is a priority, then the school needs to come together and think of new and effective methods to fundraise.
More importantly, homecoming is called “home-” coming for a reason. It’s best to keep the tradition going. Renting a venue for the special event has proved to be too costly for students, and deviates from the whole point of celebrating your school. Cooper City High School has a brand new cafeteria that should be utilized more often to hold events, including the annual homecoming dance. Hosting homecoming at school would be much cheaper and more students would be able to attend. It’s only fair considering everyone in a school should be able to attend these activities, instead of being limited to what they can and cannot do because of financial restrictions.
