Homecoming, often abbreviated as “hoco,” has existed since the 18th century. To celebrate homecoming, most high schools elect a homecoming court, organize a parade, and host a dance. Additionally, students ask someone to accompany them to the game and/or dance via a “promposal” and gift them either a mum or garter. However, Decatur is different.

Even though DHS elects an annual homecoming court and puts together a parade every other year, not many other festivities take place. Rarely students ask someone to go with them to homecoming, or even give them a mum/garter, and the last dance took place almost a decade ago. Even though the traditional 5th Quarter gathering after the game feels more eventful than others, homecoming in Decatur remains quite bland.

In recent years Decatur students haven’t been known for their school spirit, so as a whole, the student body should step it up. Go crazy in the student section; dress all out for spirit days; partake in homecoming. The student body of Decatur High should not need to one day tell their own children that their school never hosted a homecoming dance, or that they never wore a crazy mum/garter, or never thought up a creative way to ask somebody to homecoming. School spirit makes high school the most memorable four years of one’s life.

However, homecoming funds cost money, and a lot of it. Renting a venue costs anywhere from a few thousand, up to $15,000, and renting a tuxedo or dress, or buying either of those costs around a few hundred dollars. Mums and garters also cost around $100 or more, depending on the size. Promposals are also difficult to think of without copying somebody, while still trying to find originality.

All things considered, high school should be one of the most memorable times of a person’s life. Homecoming fades away more and more rapidly every year, and Decatur needs to stop it.