Event Overview
Lights flashed, music pulsed through The Cuban Club and students filled the dance floor for one of Plant High School’s most anticipated nights of the year. The 2025 homecoming dance took place on Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Recent conversations among students focused on the event’s venue, music and ticket prices. In prior years, homecoming was often held in the school parking lot. This year, however, the event moved to The Cuban Club in Ybor City, a change that drew attention and excitement. Approximately 1,200 students attended—around half of the school’s enrollment.
Venue and Decor
The Cuban Club featured three floors, with students entering on the second floor. The entrance was decorated to match the haunted homecoming theme, with candles, pumpkins and spooky decor lining the marble stairs. Soft drinks were served at a bar, and a food station was also available on the second floor.
DJs performed on both the top and bottom floors, though most students gathered on the top floor for dancing and activities. As music echoed through the building, anticipation grew for one of the night’s highlights — the announcement of the Homecoming King and Queen.
Homecoming Court
The 2025 senior homecoming court nominees were Rose Hinsdale, Callie Mosely, Francis Older, Stella Reymers, Finely Wehrman, Max Boyer, Henry Brown, Ryson Demarest, Daxton Feldman and Nelson Maddux. The Homecoming King and Queen were Maddux and Wehrman, respectively.
“It felt pretty good when my name was announced, and I was more excited than shocked,” Maddux said. “I was even happier to walk with my siblings during the homecoming football game. That was a bigger operation.”
Student Opinions
Opinions about the event were overwhelmingly positive. A survey of 100 students conducted after the event found that 88% of attendees enjoyed the evening, while 12% did not. Some students shared their highlights.
“I thought it was super cool, and I thought the venue was huge,” Kaia O’Malley, a freshman, said. “I think they did well with the decorations. It was fun dancing with all my friends, and I would definitely go again next year. A big group of girls and I were dancing on the bottom floor when no one else was there, and that was my most memorable moment.”
“This was my second homecoming. My favorite part was going on the party bus and being with all my friends.” August Voss, a sophomore, said. “I would for sure go next year. The dance was pretty fun, and it was cool going in there because it was three stories.”
“My favorite part of homecoming was the dancing. Having fun with friends and feeling connected to people I don’t even know was great.” Lucas Alba, a junior, said, “When ‘Dancing Queen’ came on, the atmosphere was amazing. The lights and environment made it feel like an unforgettable night.”
Closing Thoughts
This year’s homecoming offered more than just music and dancing — it gave students a chance to reconnect and celebrate a shared tradition in a new setting. While opinions about the venue and ticket prices varied, the event ultimately brought together hundreds of students for a night filled with energy, laughter, and lasting memories.
As Plant High evolves its traditions, Homecoming 2025 will likely be remembered as a milestone in blending old-school spirit with new experiences.