NPHS unlocked a magical homecoming dance
As lush green vines hang down gracefully, fairy lights illuminate the NPHS quad, revealing hundreds of smiling faces. On Saturday, Oct. 11, Associated Student Government [ASG] held the “Secret Garden” homecoming dance, which was led up to with the neon-themed homecoming football game, festive posters that decorated campus and rallies held by ASG to excite students about the upcoming dance.
The gym was filled with school spirit during the homecoming rally on Oct. 7, as freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors competed in a group chant. Maya Engelbach, sophomore and ASG member, especially enjoyed the competitive yet cheerful environment that the chant created and believes rallies are important to increase school spirit and excitement for homecoming. “All of the decorations [at the rally] really just encourage people to dress up for the theme, and it’s a great reminder for all of the effort that ASG puts in and why [students] should go to homecoming,” Engelbach said.
In the week before homecoming, Newbury Park High School [NPHS] students showcased their panther pride by participating in spirit dress-up days. Zoe Hardwick, sophomore, dressed up for each day, from florals to pajamas. “It’s important to be responsive to spirit days because it helps everyone in the school feel included, and it really boosts the positive school spirit,” Hardwick said.
The ASG room buzzed with excitement in the days leading up to the homecoming dance. For these leadership students, the stakes are high and the decorations must be perfect for an unforgettable night. Through the Secret Garden theme, they hope to amaze students and provide an enchanting experience for all. Senior and Vice President of ASG, Carianna Fuller, has been working hard with the rest of the class to prepare the decorations and coordinate entertainment. “[The dance is] very on theme this year, it’s much more together. […] It also gets the message across, and it makes it more clear of what the vibe is to be expected when you come to the dance,” Fuller said.
The NPHS bleachers shook as the fans roared with excitement, celebrating the football team’s win against Calabasas High School. Keelan Nygren, senior, attended her first football game of this year on Oct. 10. “I love going to football games because I like getting ready for the games with my friends. It is just really fun being in the pit,” Nygren said.
Suspense filled the endless rows of the NPHS bleachers, as Karsen Spence, senior, stood aside the other nominees for senior homecoming court. The students nominated for the senior class were Jeffery Saner, Kailyn Tran, Anthony Gerolamo, Eloise Cardenas, Daniel Paul, Carter Taylor, Madison Black and Karsen Spence. “Winning homecoming queen meant a lot to me, and I felt honored that I was picked by my classmates. I’ll always be thankful for that moment and the memories that came along with it,” Spence said.
The homecoming dance floor was filled with energetic students, including sophomore Claire Vasquez, who enjoyed the loud and lively atmosphere. She charged up for homecoming by getting ready with friends and taking pictures with them before the dance. Vasquez believes homecoming is an important opportunity to spend time with your friends and socialize. “There’s a lot of people I met at homecoming. It’s such a good way to socialize with people,” Vasquez said. “I just ran into a group that I met at homecoming because we were standing next to each other in line and they started playing California Girls or something like that.”
