On Oct. 4, students of all grade levels attended the 2025 Homecoming Dance. Like in many high schools around the country, homecoming is an annual tradition at UHS, together with other events such as the Homecoming Football Game and Pep Rally.
Homecoming presented an opportunity for students to choose to wear formal clothing, apply their makeup and look their best while dancing. Students also enjoyed a variety of activities, including the gaming area, photo booths and a lounge for students to enjoy breaks before getting back to the dance floor.
The venue, AV Irvine, had two floors, with the first acting as the main area for students to dance and participate in activities. By contrast, students on the second floor lounged around or stood at the balcony to enjoy the music being played by the DJ from above.
Many upperclassmen, having experienced the dance for several years, knew the expectations and what it involved. The freshman, however, had not participated, and many were excited about the Homecoming Dance after hearing about it from the upperclassmen.
“I [had] high expectations for this event,” freshman Elle Johnson said. “It turns out it is very similar to what I imagined . . . I thought high school would be boring, but I really like . . . relaxing and doing something that will let me forget about tests and homework once in a while.”
Other students, though they expressed dislikes for places with loud music and a lot of people, were pleasantly surprised by an event that was fun rather than suffocating.
“I didn’t think [the dance] could be so enjoyable,” freshman Grace Wang said. “I’m usually more of an introvert and I hold a dislike [towards] parties and crowds, but . . . I’m enjoying myself more than I thought.”
For students like Wang, the Homecoming Dance is an exercise in bravery and being out of one’s comfort zone. Wang emphasized that experiencing the dance has inspired her to try out new activities.
“I am really glad I came this year, and I will certainly come to the next,” Wang said.
In the end, many freshmen had positive opinions about the Homecoming Dance and plan to attend the event next year.
