By Prisha Chakraborty
GVHS celebrated Homecoming with some significant changes in the tradition on November 9 to November 20.
One of the most notable changes was that any student in the school, no matter their gender, could run for any position of the royal court. Also, student council decided that escorts were not necessary.
To be more inclusive, student council let anyone, no matter their identity, be nominated for not only a class royal, but as one of the two homecoming royalty winners. Class peers voted through Microsoft Forms this year.
Senior and student body president Rebecca Stern was contacted by senior Sarah Liu, a student council homeroom representative and a member of the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) club. Stern then took the issue to English teacher and student council advisor Ms. Tess Lutz.
“The officers, GSA, student council advisors, and the administration made this ‘decision’ with the interests of our student body in mind. The intent of this decision was to make Homecoming court a more-inclusive celebration of the entire student body,” said Ms. Lutz. “Previously, it was only female students who could be class Queen and one male and one female who could be Homecoming King and Queen. However, now, any person, regardless of their gender, may be Class or Homecoming Royalty.”
“In these times, we thought it is important for everyone to feel that they belong and are a valued member of the school community,” said Rebecca. “Homecoming Court gives students an opportunity to nominate their peers who they believe have made outstanding positive contributions to the school community. We believe everyone should have a chance to be recognized that way, regardless of their gender identity.”
A slight change that also happened this year is that there was no escorts due to the virus.
Although the virus changed the dynamics in the building, many remained enthusiastic.
“It’s really flattering to be nominated and win,” said Class of 24 Royal Amelia Silber who participated in her very first high school homecoming this year. “I enjoyed participating in the spirit days too with my friends.”
Like past years, students continued the tradition of Spirit Week. The week is marked by fun thematic days. This year’s line-up was Pajama Day, Harry Potter Day, Cancer Awareness day, Pet Day, Superhero Day, and Color Wars.
Rather than just five days, there were six. The asynchronous days were for pajamas and pets, and the other themes ran for two days so that all hybrid students could celebrate. To participate in the spirit days on asynchronous days, it was encourage to send pictures relation to the theme to your homeroom teacher.
“It was really fun,” said freshman Bailey Largent. “A lot of people didn’t participate on the spirit days through. But my homeroom teacher, Mrs. Lynne Dore, was hyped up for it.”
“It was relatively easy to participate in the homecoming and spirit days virtually,” said freshman Anushka Tejeswi. “I think the school did a good job at communicating these events to the students who are virtual. Overall I thought the celebrations were fun even though I am virtual.” “I had no idea when homecoming was. I feel as though there was no communication or at least clear communication with us virtual students,” said freshman Sophia Hartley. “For the spirit days, I feel as there was better communication there and as though I was able to participate. I did not know exactly what each day was though.”
Despite the challenges, both advisors and students worked to make Homecoming as a successful event for all students.