One major tradition that high school students across the nation celebrate is homecoming. Usually, Etowah puts on a homecoming football game, court, dance, and a parade. Due to COVID-19, the school will only hold a game and court. Students have taken celebrating into their own hands, though, with nothing stopping their safe version of usual festivities.  

“It’s an honor to get to represent Etowah by playing football at the homecoming game, as well as being a part of homecoming court. I like to be a role model and lead by example for my community,” Braden Bohannon, junior, said. 

There are limitations to the game, such as a reduced number of fans, as well as a smaller number of students on court. To keep the traditional Saturday dance alive, many different groups across Eagle Mountain are planning an alternative homecoming without the school’s involvement.  

“I always have so much fun around homecoming time, so since we won’t get to experience a dance this year, I thought it would be fun to keep the spirit alive and have some kind of a home party,” Kaitlyn Lewis, senior, said. 

In order to make a substitute homecoming the best, groups are finding dates, dressing up, going to dinner, taking pictures, and extending the celebration by spending time together afterwards.  

“My friends and I are planning on doing a fake homecoming since it is our first high school dance, and we want to make it memorable,” Melea Menshon, freshman, said. 

Some trendy, short cocktail dresses that deliver fast for homecoming can be found on Hello Molly, Windsor, Shein, and Lulus.  

“I am so excited to wear my homecoming dress this year and have the opportunity to dress up with all my friends,” Bella Pacini, sophomore, said.  

One group of seniors is going to Downtown Kitchen in Canton for dinner and pictures, and afterwards, they are moving the celebration to a house to spend their last homecoming together.  

“I am excited to make the most of our last homecoming with all the people we grew up with since elementary. We’re going to make the last one the best one,” Patrick Ridgeway, senior, said.  

The traditional dance typically occurs at the end of October, so groups trying to coordinate a fake homecoming should start planning soon to ensure the night is a memorable experience.