By Sienna Sandoval, Moanalua High School

The final bell rings, but the school day is far from over. Music booms out of classrooms, students covered in paint put the finishing touches on a giant backdrop, and groups gather in the courtyard to rehearse choreography. It’s Homecoming season at Moanalua High School, and our campus feels more alive than ever.

Leading up to Homecoming Week at Moanalua, class councils host after-school workdays where any student can show up to paint backdrops, build props, or rehearse for the Floorshow. Floorshow is a 10-minute performance each class creates around the homecoming theme, combining choreography with a storyline. As one of Homecoming’s biggest class competitions, it culminates in an epic Night Pep Rally, where the bleachers are packed with energetic students cheering on their class, even at 6 p.m. I still remember attending my first Night Pep Rally and being blown away by the school spirit I witnessed. During preparation, classes foster a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging, from the actors to the backdrop painters. Across our state, Homecoming plays a similar role in bringing campuses together. Here are a few thoughts from student leaders on how their own traditions set the tone for the year.

“Homecoming at Waipahu is so much bigger than just a football game. Thanks to our annual Arthur Awards class cheer competition, homecoming brings the school together in ways unimaginable. It’s the week everyone looks forward to, boosting morale and school pride. Walking through the hallways, you see everyone dressed up and participating together. You watch huge crowds gather for lunchtime activities. Everyone is supporting their classes, but more than that, Waipahu. You have to be there to truly grasp the full experience. Once a Marauder, Always a Marauder!” – Sophia Tokumoto, Waipahu High School junior

“​​Homecoming at ‘Aiea is really special. We are a small school, but we have a strong, close-knit community. While we always struggle with engagement, Homecoming provides a time for students to forget about the stress that is high school and lose themselves in friendly competitions against the classes.” – Kadiann Swanson, ‘Aiea High School junior

Kalani High School pep band members at their Homecoming Football Game on Oct. 9. Photo courtesy: Taylor Wong / Kalani High School

“For our school, Homecoming is the first large-scale event that gives students an opportunity to participate every day, whether it be in spirit week or class competition games. This week, school pride got a huge boost, and I noticed many students are still talking about homecoming even though it’s over. We had a large turnout at our homecoming game, and our student section was almost full. Most of our students stayed till the end of the game, and everyone had a blast.” – Noah Yasuda, Kalani High School sophomore

Homecoming builds school culture and helps students develop a sense of belonging. It’s a time when students enter the rest of the year knowing they are part of a supportive community, empowered to succeed. But behind these experiences are the teachers, advisors, and student activity coordinators who stay after school and work tirelessly to help bring our ideas to life. As students, we don’t always stop to recognize just how much they do for us, but their support makes these traditions possible. On behalf of all the students whose lives they have touched, thank you for believing in us, showing up for us, and helping us create something we can be proud of. Our Homecoming traditions would not be the same without you.

Long after the music fades and the decorations come down, the feeling of belonging we build together is what stays with us. I can’t wait until next year!