Find out how the Student Government plans the homecoming dance
Vahishirt Kale
Staff Writer
November 11, 2024
Homecoming week is a time in the school year filled with spirit days, a pep rally, the battle of the classes, and the annual dance. This year’s “Out of This World” theme had students buzzing with excitement, but few realize the planning and teamwork that go into making Homecoming a success. From designing decorations to coordinating events, the student government’s committees play a pivotal role in transforming the school and creating an unforgettable experience. Here’s an inside look at the process.
They begin with a Pinterest board where members of the Events Committee add ideas that match the theme. The board quickly fills with potential decorations, and after reviewing, the committee decides on the best ideas that will fit with the theme and are within budget.
Making the Perfect Cosmic Event
Once the final ideas are selected, the Events Committee sorts through their large inventory to find decor they already have from previous years. They then order supplies and decor, often from Amazon or other online retailers. This gives them enough time for shipments to arrive before setup day. As the materials are en route, the team organizes other events, including the pep rally, spirit days, and other Homecoming week activities. Once supplies arrive, the committee prepares decorations in the days leading up to the event.
“Ensuring the dance goes smoothly takes a village,” John Cason, Senior co-head of the Events Committee, said.
With all hands on deck, the student government arrives at the school early in the morning with the goal of turning the MPIF into something that is truly out of this world. After 3-4 hours of setup, the space is filled with balloons, space-themed decorations, and enumerable lights.
Setup Day - StuGov Exec members work on decorations for the main hall of the “Out of This World” dance.
Balancing the Budget
The process doesn’t end with creative ideas; the committee also has to work within a budget to make the theme come to life without overspending.
With a Homecoming event as large as this, budgeting is essential. Each year, booking vendors, buying decor, and handling logistical details vary based on resources, contacts, and administration involvement.
"For instance, this year, our DJ was booked through close contact with Admin and student body representatives," said Cason.
This helped streamline the process, but the team still faces paperwork and organizational requirements challenges.
“The biggest challenge is organizing orders and documents,” Cason said.
Handling such a large event includes managing contracts, decor orders, and general logistics. Still, the committee remains committed to creating the best event possible. Ensuring transparency with their large executive team, the student government keeps everyone updated on adjustments and logistical updates.
“We set a strict game plan and work hard to stick to it,” Cason said.
With a decent budget and support from the admin and staff, the team works diligently to make the best they can.
Spreading the Word
While the Events Committee prepares the dance itself, the Communications Committee plays a crucial role in making sure students know about all the upcoming activities. They rely on multiple platforms, from Instagram to RockTV, to reach as many students as possible.
“Instagram is huge for us since most students follow the Westfield Student Government account,” said JT Armstrong, Senior head of the Communications Committee. “We also use PA announcements, RockTV, and hallway flyers to make sure the message gets out.”
The committee takes pride in seeing their promotional work inspire students to participate, from Spirit Week to the dance. They’re also ready to handle feedback, positive and negative, using it to improve future events.
“Honestly, our criticisms are few and far between,” Dani Montgomery, another Junior Communications Committee member noted. “When we have any, they’re typically constructive and we can learn something from it.”
This dedication to improvement drives the Student Government to make Homecoming better each year. As Jackson Dukes, a member of the Student Government said,
“Watching everyone contribute their unique ideas and having it all fit like a puzzle is probably my favorite part, especially when we’re decorating for it and everyone is putting all the pieces together.”
Homecoming banner - Communications committee member Dani Montgomery holding the banner she made for Out of This World HOCO.