When Alice Fogler (‘10) was a freshman at the Upper School, St. John’s held its first Homecoming—a formal dance similar to Homecomings in most other high schools. Two years later, Homecoming suddenly transformed into a more casual dress-up event, a practice that continues today.
Reflecting on her high school experience, Fogler notices a stark contrast between traditional Texas homecomings and the School’s informal tradition.
“I know what dress I wore to both freshman and sophomore Homecomings, and I have pictures from those nights of getting dressed up with my friends,” she said. “I have no photos and no recollection of the ones from my junior and senior years. I’m not even sure I went.”
As an Upper School math teacher, Fogler witnesses the struggle between formal and informal evolve first-hand.
“A few years ago, a lot of students had been asking for a more formal Homecoming. It was even in every SAC speech during elections,” she said. “So that year we had the more formal Roaring Twenties theme, and students could dress up and make it a little fancier.”
On the other hand, some students, such as Head Prefect Mark Doan, appreciate the casual dress code of Homecoming.
“I wear enough tuxedos when I perform in orchestra and choir,” he said. “So it’s just letting loose, trying something different and being with friends.”
As one of the event’s main planners, Doan finds that the student-run aspect of Homecoming helps make it unique and meaningful. The Student Affairs Council arranges the food, music and traditions like SAC Punch.
“Being able to design the event is a creative outlet, both for the student council and students themselves. We are able to see what we’re able to transform our school into and how far we can go with the themes.”
This year, SAC brought Cane’s Chicken, cotton candy and other sweets and chocolates. Yet some students found the selection too limited for those with dietary restrictions.
“Since I’m gluten-free, I could not eat most of the food offered, including the main food options,” sophomore Sophie Phillpott said.
For freshman Benjamin Armstrong, the DJ also helped craft an entertaining first Homecoming experience, shuffling through popular song requests such as “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley, “FE!N” by Travis Scott and “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter.
“I loved the DJ and the music, especially the feature where you could add songs. I felt like it was more entertaining that way,” Armstrong said.
During the event, many students took advantage of the fairy-tale theme by dressing up in Halloween costumes, ranging from monarchs to classic Disney characters.
“I preferred this year’s Homecoming theme over last year’s because it allowed for more creative freedom,” sophomore Nathalie McDaniel said.
Despite its common successes, the Homecoming experience varied greatly between students. Still, Doan sees a clear, unifying purpose for the event.
“Homecoming is something that brings people together.” Doan said. “It’s about giving high schoolers an experience that they deserve.”
