Flagstaff High School

Cruisin’ Through the Rio

Haven Carey

On September 13, Flagstaff High School hosted a Journey to Janeiro themed Homecoming Dance in the dome. Following a week of preparatory events like: the bonfire, the assembly, and the football game, the Homecoming Dance was the well awaited grand finale. Like most years, it consisted of sweat drenched teenagers engaging in an almost unending frenzy of jumping to repetitive songs. The music elicited an uproarious cheer every time the DJ transitioned from recognizable hit to recognizable hit.

The outside area, riddled with games, was a reprieve from the chaos of the dance, offering attractions such as 9 Square, Cornhole, and an ice cream truck. Long lines for the photobooth and water table dominated the middle room, and dancing attendees filled the dome. The main dance area in the dome, was referred to by most as the “mosh pit”. It was deemed by many as more intense than any of those at dances in the previous years, with many people not only falling on one another, but also throwing water.

Some students expressed aversion to the majority of music played, disliking that they were often the same songs every year. Others, such as junior Aviana Stephens professed liking “most songs, except for FE!N.” Junior Riona Eskew stated that she wished the DJ, “played more songs that appeal to all types of music tastes.” While not all songs were favorites to each student, most were generally crowd pleasers generating excitement in those on the dance floor.

Several seniors proclaimed that their encroaching deadline of graduation is motivation for them to attend as many school events as possible. Senior Neko Castro stated that he didn’t, “want to regret not going in the future or be mad at myself for not going.” With the end of high school in sight, there is an increased inclination to ensure that every possible experience is fulfilled. Knowing that it will be their last opportunity to attend events such as these is a bittersweet encouragement for seniors to participate.