“It’s going to be a night to remember.” Fayetteville-Manlius’s student council fulfilled the infamous “High School Musical ” song lyric, making the night of October 7th, 2023 memorable for many.
This year, the theme for the homecoming dance was neon, with decorations ranging from hot pink to highlighter yellow colors for lights, streamers, and paper banners. The foyer had high-top tables for people to stand and eat at, adorned with vases full of colorful flowers. These tables also had UNO card packs to keep people occupied away from the dance, fitting for the Mattel homecoming theme.
This year’s gym was full of bright balloons and a photo booth with a cute backdrop to take pictures with friends. To the side of the photo booth was a table of props to use while taking pictures and light-up sticks to have fun with. When asked what she liked better about this dance that wasn’t at the winter formal, sophomore Melissa McLain replied, “I loved how there was a selfie machine that was easy to use and the lighting and backdrop were all planned out for you to take pictures at.” A DJ was centered at the front of the gym, playing crowd favorites as people danced to their heart’s content. Furthermore, the DJ intermittently announced prizes that students won, which included gift cards to Dunkin, all courtesy of our student council. “I think the DJ did a good job curating an energetic party environment,” said Brook Kronenberg, junior.
Food, food, and more food. That is what the foyer was filled with–cotton candy and popcorn machines with lines of people waiting to stuff their mouths with sugary and buttery goodness, as well as a whole variety of cookies (especially red-velvet ones). Glow sticks were also available to those in the foyer for anyone wanting to adorn themselves with a little extra brightness.
The night ended with the song “Don’t Stop, Believin’” by Journey, after which many people left with smiles on their faces, albeit tired ones after dancing for so long. “It was our first and last homecoming dance and it was amazing to see over 500+ people show up all together for the dance,” senior Janani Mohabir-Casipit said, “I was able to make a bunch of new friends and connect with familiar faces that I see in hallways but would’ve never had the chance to speak and get to know in the school setting, including people in other grades.” The sense of community of the dance was sentimental to many after several years void of having any sort of social get-together, especially for seniors who will soon graduate.
This dance would not be possible without the tremendous effort of student council members, working hard for weeks to make the night the best version it could be for the students. From doing everything from buying decorations to making cotton candy in the foyer, it is important to recognize the student community and everything it offers to make the high school experience a memorable one. Student council advisor Mrs. DeBlois said, “We were so excited to get such a great turnout! Everyone seemed to be having a great time. We can’t wait to host more events for our F-M students!” Many of us will be waiting in anticipation for the next dance (Winter Formal) to spend the night dancing and socializing with our friends. Until then, I leave you with another song lyric: “Everything will be alright if we just keep dancing like we’re 22” (Taylor Swift, “22”).
