Students gathered on September 20, 2025, to enjoy this year’s homecoming event at Mentor High School’s Gymnasium from 7 to 10 p.m. The theme for the event was “We Love the ‘80s!” The PTA helped choose the theme and also contributed to funding the event. 

To help convey the theme, many new decorations were used, including glowing stars and new games. When asked about their thoughts on the dance’s theme, most attendees indicated that they did not focus much on it; instead, they were more interested in the overall experience.

Seniors offer loving advice

Eager to offer advice to underclassmen who will attend the event next year, many seniors emphasized the importance of wearing comfortable shoes instead of heels. Standing or dancing in heels can be quite painful, negatively impacting the experience, but many students feel uncomfortable taking their shoes off. Choosing to wear comfortable shoes from the start will make for a more enjoyable time. Senior Shannon Melendez said, “Take lots of photos and wear comfy shoes!”

Other students offered good advice as well. Many encouraged future attendees to just have fun and enjoy the experience. Make the most of the $20 ticket to participate. Attend with a group, make new friends, or do whatever will make the experience memorable for you. “Just have fun, let loose, and don’t worry about how you look,” senior Brooke Rhodes said.

What’s Your Favorite Part?

When asked about their favorite part of the dance, students gave a variety of answers. Some mentioned certain artists that were played, while others talked about the football game held the day before, the food, running into friends, or admitting they weren’t sure. Many participants agreed that being surrounded by friends stood out because the dance allowed people who didn’t have classes together to come together and have a blast.

Should there be a dance for the homecoming king and queen?

Conflicting answers were given to this specific question. Since the king and queen will most likely not attend as a couple, an anonymous student said, “I feel like that would be awko taco.” However, Rhodes disagreed. She said “I do think there should be a king and queen dance for homecoming. It would be such a cool thing to add, and it would be memorable for those people.” She said that she believes the experience would be enjoyable for participants, providing another fun event for seniors to look forward to after the battle for king and queen.

New ideas for homecoming? What could they be!

When asked for their thoughts on new ideas for future homecoming events, seniors provided a range of responses. Some felt that the event was perfect as it currently stands, while others suggested continuing the activities that were introduced for the first time this year, particularly the games. Melendez elaborated on this by stating, “They should expand further on that idea and add more activities so attendees have more to do and look forward to when they arrive.” She also suggested incorporating a photo booth to allow students to take home printed photos as mementos from the event. This addition could enhance the experience for potentially more attendees.