On Sept. 26, Lake Central High School held its first semi-formal Homecoming dance in a number of years. Up until this year, Lake Central’s annual Homecoming dance was held on the Friday of the Homecoming game. The dance, which usually started at halftime, was cancelled last year due to insufficient ticket sales. The dance, which was sponsored by Dollars for Scholars, has been in the works since this summer.
“We had monthly meetings just to check up with all of the committees together and make sure everything was on track. There were some bumps on the road of how everything would work out, [but] in the end it worked out wonderfully,” Katrina Lozanoski (11) said.
Held at the fictitious “Club Blue,” the new rotunda was turned into a dancefloor, giving off a club-like vibe. Refreshments and hor 'd oeuvres were served in the cafeteria, which also offered a bag check and seating for students.
“At first, I thought the Homecoming dance would be lame because it was [held] in the hallway, but once I got there, and especially when the sun went down, it didn’t feel like a hallway at all. The decorations and lights got rid of the hallway [and] cafeteria atmosphere. No one dwelled on the fact that it was in the hallway, and everyone had a good time,” Ana Zanza (11) said.
Unlike Lake Central’s Winter Formal and Prom dances, students from all grades were allowed to attend the dance. The doors opened at 6 p.m. and the dance concluded at 10 p.m.
“My first high school dance was better than I expected. As a freshman, I expected to get dirty looks from upperclassmen, but there was just an all around great vibe between all of the grades all night. It was nice to go out and have an amazing time with some amazing friends,” Olivia Lavoie (9) said.
There are no official plans for next year’s Homecoming dance.
“I cannot say for sure if there will be another [semi-formal Homecoming dance], but I know we would love to have one and so would the students,” Lozanoski said.
Photos provided by Emma DeGroot