The time came again for Cherokee’s Homecoming dance on October 21. Lots of chatter surrounded this year’s dance because it was announced to be in the gym rather than the North Cafeteria like last year, or the courtyard like two years ago. Despite the location change, many students were excited, getting dresses and suits and making plans. Even after a disappointing loss at the homecoming football game, students at Cherokee were enthused about the annual dance.
Guests arrived at 7:00p.m. at the entrances to the North Cafeteria, bringing ten dollars and their school I.D. to get in. After a while, the North gym filled up and students started to feel the temperature. Most kids at Cherokee know about the infamous heat of the North gym, whether they experienced it during gym class or after school activities. So, not much shock came when, after some dancing, the huge gym started to feel more like a sauna. Luckily, the hallway outside of the North gym that leads to the courtyard was opened, and students were provided with a treasured jug of water and cups. Later in the night, in fact, the hallway by the breezeway was also opened, allowing access to the vending machines. Many students who attended admired the preparedness during this year’s homecoming compared to the last.
One student who attended, Junior Lila Zink, said, “We didn’t have to ration cups anymore, so even though it was hotter, we were still refreshed.” Other students agreed that the access to the cool courtyard and cold water was really great and refreshing.
However, despite the much appreciated water and fresh air, many students who attended weren’t so pleased with the dance. Some say they left after only ten to thirty minutes of being at the dance. This calls into question whether the Homecoming dance is worth all the dress-buying and preparing, or even the money to get in, because of the heat pushing people away. Some students suggest that they move it back to the courtyard like the 2021 dance; however, it seems that going outside would be too cold, leaving the school without many options.
Most can agree that the 2023 Homecoming dance was a success, enjoying dancing and hanging out with newly-bought homecoming outfits. The North gym gave a change that students worried was much too hot for a dance, despite the refreshments provided. The question still stands on whether the dance is worth the fun, especially with the courtyard open, or if the 2023 Homecoming dance was just too hot to handle.
