Homecoming, a classic high school tradition, will be taking place a little bit differently at OHS. 

In previous years, Homecoming was held in Gym A and the Commons, there was no mask mandate and students were not required to social distance. As with most other things, Homecoming will be adjusted to meet the district and county’s recommendations to stay safe. 

“We haven’t really had a major school event,” STUCO sponsor Rebecca Dutcher said, “and we are hopeful that students are excited to attend, even though it’s not traditional. We can all still have a great time and come together as a school community.”

Homecoming will be held outside in the front parking lot to decrease the risk of students and staff getting sick, while also giving everyone the chance to enjoy the dance without wearing a mask. It will last from 6-9 p.m., as opposed to previously being held from 7-10 p.m., so that surrounding neighborhoods will not be distrubed by the music. 

“I am excited that we get to do it outside,” sophomore class president Dima Majood said. “A lot of people see it as a bad thing, but I think that it’s new and it’s different, and it’s something that everybody will remember.”

The dance will be on Oct. 2, and the tickets will be sold at all lunches the week of Sept. 27-Oct. 1. The theme is “Movies,” and the decorations will be set up the morning of the dance since the parking lot will be needed for the Homecoming football game on Friday, Oct. 1. This year, OHS will have a Homecoming court, and students attending the dance will not be able to leave until coronation has finished, which will most likely be around 7:45 p.m.

“The first time that I heard the dance will be outside I gave up,” junior class vice president Namitta Phrasalak said. “Now, we have a lot of hope because we have great general members that help us with ideas on the decorations. We have a very good team this year in STUCO, and I think we will make it a great Homecoming.”