On Oct. 11, Plant High School will be hosting its annual homecoming dance at The Cuban Club in Ybor City. This is the first time in six years that Plant has had a dance in Oct. In past years, they have hosted a winter formal in the late months, so this new change is exciting for students. Many students didn’t enjoy having homecoming so late and wanted it to be held earlier at a normal time.
When asked about the date change, Megan Canady, a junior, said, “I like it because in the winter it was very cold, and it is around all the homecoming times of other schools.”
Plant’s executive board also changed the place where homecoming is being held. Instead of the school parking lot, homecoming will be held at The Cuban Club in Ybor.
“In the parking lot, students never knew what the weather would be,” said Vivienne Harris, a junior at Plant, excited about the change. “There also wasn’t much to do other than standing around or dancing on the small platform. Overall, I think this change will draw more students in and will be more like other schools.” Harris said. These changes are new for Plant, and the students are ready for this change.
The Executive Board chooses the homecoming theme each year for the dance. Since the change of dates, the board decided on ‘Haunted Homecoming.’ Many students have different opinions on the theme. A survey conducted in the school halls found how students felt about the homecoming theme. Out of 50 students, 32 said that they liked the homecoming theme and 18 said the opposite. The survey also asked followers on PHS Newspaper’s Instagram page. The poll indicated that 54% of respondents said they liked the theme, and 46% voted the opposite. Overall, more people expressed that they liked the homecoming theme. Even though it’s very close, it is good that most people enjoy the theme. When asked about what she thinks of the theme, Presley Parry, a junior, said, “Yes, Fall is my favorite season, so I’m excited.” But even though Parry enjoys it, junior Ella Reeves has something else to say. “No, I think it’s pointless, homecoming should be about expressing yourself through how you dress.” So, people have many mixed feelings about the theme.
The executive board supports Plant in many ways. They help make essential decisions on social events for the school and so much more. Stella Reymers is the spirit chair for the senior class and is also a part of the board. As an upperclassman, she has significant influence on the executive board, so she played a significant role in selecting the theme. “We chose the theme ‘Haunted Halloween’ because it was fun, seasonal, and easy for everyone to get creative with,” Stella Reymers said. “Other ideas were tossed around, but this one stood out as the most engaging. Our process was brainstorming as a group and narrowing it down to what would excite the most people. The hardest part was agreeing on just one theme, and the easiest part was knowing right away that ‘Haunted Halloween’ would get everyone in the spirit.” This is a big change at Plant, and many people are excited about it. The date change and the new theme are getting everyone in the spirit and ready for Fall.
