Homecoming Dance Draws Over 700

Rose Clark ('23) and Mae Squeglia ('23)
September 30, 2022

On Saturday September 24, RMHS hosted what is believed to be its first Homecoming dance in the Hawkes fieldhouse.

Over the summer, RMHS Assistant Principal Ms. Buckley created a Homecoming committee in order to make this idea come to life. Twelve upcoming seniors, alongside school administration, took part in creating a spirit week full of daily dress up themes leading up to a Homecoming dance on the final day. 

Once all was planned, tickets went on sale to all grades 9-12 for $20 a piece, and more than 775 tickets were sold to the RMHS student body that totals approximately 1,100.

One challenge the homecoming committee faced was that students put off purchasing their tickets until after the deadline of September 23 at 3 p.m.

“I think that we need to be super clear about the deadline of buying tickets for the dance because a lot of people were unable to buy tickets so we had to open it back up, and that was confusing,” said Assistant Principal Buckley.

Despite the issues with the ticket sales, the Homecoming dance itself went off without any problems. The dance started at 7pm and ended at 10pm. Food was not available inside nor was any outside food allowed in the field house. There was a DJ and the entire gymnasium turned into a dance floor.

Senior Evan Pennucci, who attended the dance, said, “I think the dance lived up to the hype. Once more kids showed up, it got much more fun.”

When asked what he would change about the first homecoming dance, Pennucci responded, “I would definitely add food and more tables for people to sit like we had at prom.”

According to Senior Class President Nora Flaherty, there are other areas in which the dance could be improved. “The dance was also a success but there is definitely room for improvement, especially with waters, because we ran low.”

The money raised from ticket sales, Flaherty said, will go to support the Class of 2023.

“Most of the funds raised will go toward making the senior prom the best it can be . . . we want to bring back some senior events that haven’t been done for a few years, so the money will go towards those, too.” 

Based on feedback from the students and the planning committee, Homecoming week and the dance were a big success for all who participated.

“Overall, I did have a good time,” said Pennucci.