LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — Homecoming traditions are a classic, but this year brings changes to Los Alamitos High School’s annual celebrations. Between the court nomination process, assembly and dance schedule, this year is sure was been unique.

Court nomination process:

In previous years, students would nominate their peers from a long list of every potential candidate. This year, those who want to campaign for the Homecoming court nominated themselves. After the self-nomination round, the Associated Student Body sent a list of nominees for students to vote on, finalizing the top five nominees in each category.

“We felt like students were already self nominating, just on their own social media,” ASB advisor Ms. Schanacker said. “We decided to be more straightforward. If they really want to be nominated, they can put their name in the hat.
It also eliminates the process of friends nominating (someone) and that person not actually wanting to be on the court.”

The self-nomination process helped streamline the election and reduce the risk of a nominated student not wanting to campaign, but some nominees have mixed feelings about the new system.

“I don’t mind having self-nominations,” King-nominee Kevens Wempe said. “But I do feel like it took out the spontaneous part of not knowing that you were going to be nominated.”

Assembly changes:

Before the completion of the new gym, students would be assigned one of two assemblies. This year, the new gym allowed the whole school to attend one assembly.

“I was very glad that the new gym hosted the first assembly of this school year,” King nominee Dane Hoffman said. “I think it (was) a lot better that there (was) just one assembly and not two groups.”

Along with the annual fall sports videos, all of the fall varsity sport teams were featured in person this year, walking across the court to announce their upcoming games. ASB also planned a relay race, with staff and nominees. 

Game/dance schedule:

Unlike previous years, with the football game on Friday night and the dance on Saturday, this year’s Homecoming dance will be immediately following the game. 

“The exciting part is that we have our Homecoming game on campus,” Ms. Schanacker said. “So that’s really exciting for this year. We feel like students really love to be here. There’s some other schools in the area that do a similar model, and we thought it would make the hype of the game continue throughout the dance.”

Due to the dance immediately following the game, this year’s Homecoming is casual dress. @losaloffical’s posted inspiration for what students should wear.

“I feel like it’ll be a little bit easier,” junior and ASB member Caroline Sweiss said. “Not so many people have to worry about getting dressed up (and) finding a dress because I feel like that’s always really hard.”

However, some are disappointed by the lack of formality.

“I feel like casual just isn’t what Homecoming is about, the point is to get (dressed) up for a night of fun with your friends,” senior and queen nominee Jade Rojas said. “My favorite part of any dance is getting all glamoured up.”

The location of the dance is also different this year. Rather than in front of the LAHS Performing Arts Center, this year’s dance will be near the STEM building and Lecture Hall to allow for a walkway to the parking lot.

In the midst of all the changes made to this year’s Homecoming celebration, some things will stay the same. 

“We have the DJ that all the students absolutely love,” Ms. Schanacker said. “(Students loved the DJ) the past few years, from winter formal and prom, (and) he’s going to be there for Homecoming, so we’re excited about that.”