Do you remember your high school home-coming?
The themed dress-up days, the hallway decorations, the contagious school spirit that seemed to seep into every locker and classroom. One day you might have worn your pajamas to school, and the next, a crazy hat or head-to-toe school colors. And of course, there was the big Friday afternoon parade followed by the varsity football game, with entertainment from the marching band, color guard, cheerleaders, and dancers.
Homecoming week isn’t just for current students—it’s also a time when alumni return to their hometowns, reliving the memories and reconnecting with old friends.
I grew up in Royal Oak and attended Kimball High School. I played the clarinet in the marching band, so most of my homecoming memories revolve around helping build the band float for the parade and goofing around with my best friends.
If memory serves—after all, it was a long time ago—our homecoming dance was held right in the school cafeteria, immediately after the football game on Friday night. Only those on the homecoming court wore formal attire; the rest of us came as we were, straight from the bleachers. I’d quickly change out of my band uniform into something more comfortable. A date wasn’t necessary—it was a fun, casual way to end a spirited week.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
But wow—how things have changed!
Today’s homecoming looks more like a mini prom. Girls spend hundreds on dresses, plus more on professional hair, makeup, and flowers. Guys invest in tuxes or tailored suits to coordinate with their date. Dance tickets aren’t cheap, either.
Some schools still host the dance in their gym or cafeteria, but others go all out—renting hotel ballrooms or upscale venues to make the night feel extra special. Before the dance, large groups gather for elaborate photo sessions, complete with parents, siblings, and even grandparents capturing every moment.
And arriving in style is practically a tradition in itself. Borrowing the family’s nicest car—or even renting a limo—isn’t unusual.
Homecoming may have evolved over the years, but its heart remains the same: school pride, friendship, and a chance to make memories that last a lifetime.
Whether you’re reliving your own homecoming days or helping your kids prepare for theirs, there’s something timeless about this fall tradition.
