Returning to the track after the switch indoors the previous year, Maggie Walker’s 2024 Homecoming Dance featured music, snacks, and loads of fun! Also known as “Hoco,” the dance took place from 7-10 p.m. on October 19 with a live DJ and a checkerboard dancefloor. 

Before the dance, many students chose to take photos with their dates and friends. Overlooking the Richmond skyline, Libby Hill Park was a popular spot to take photos this year among the upperclassmen. “I loved the group, loved the dinner with everyone, and loved seeing everyone and getting pictures with everyone,” said Abby Lesher (‘26). After photos at Libby Hill, she and her friends headed to a restaurant called Brambly Park, where she got a free box of cupcakes that were “bomb.” 

Each homecoming dance features a unique theme, and this year’s was inspired by casinos. “It was pretty tough to pick a theme that everyone would enjoy,” said David Roberts (‘26), who brainstormed various potential themes with the other officers. “Suddenly, someone mentioned a casino theme, and we all instantly favored it over the others because there are really cool ways to decorate a casino-themed dance,” said Roberts. Once the decision was finalized, the real planning began. A video, created by Roberts and the other class officers, was posted on Schoology to announce the theme. “It was pretty stressful, but also fun to pick out the theme and decorations that we would see at Hoco.” Roberts was most excited for the attendees to see the decorations adorning the fence and floors because of the amount of effort that went into putting up the entrance decorations. “The red carpet and card arch created just the atmosphere we were looking for,” explained Roberts. Since it was the first thing people would see when they arrived at the dance, David felt it was important to set the tone for the entire night. 

Opinions on the music were wide and varied. Angel Peña (‘26) wished for more Latin music, and Tommy Wood (‘26) was surprised the DJ didn’t play any songs from the Kendrick Lamar-Drake feud, including Lamar’s “Not Like Us” and “Euphoria.” On the other hand,  Rewa Totey (‘26) appreciated the fact that the DJ played many hit songs. Miles Swenson (‘26) enjoyed the DJ’s decision to play “Mo Bamba” by Sheck Wes back-to-back with “FE!N” by Travis Scott (featuring Playboi Carti).. One absence this year from the setlist was a slow song, like “Lover” by Taylor Swift, which was played the previous homecoming. 

All in all, another iconic homecoming is now in the books, with everyone being left with unforgettable memories and experiences. There were varying opinions on what the most enjoyable part of homecoming was: Totey and Lesher agreed that their favorite part, other than dancing with friends, was “definitely the cider.” Roberts’s was for everyone to see the decorations, and Madin Murthy’s (‘26) was having a water station. 

Though we do not have a football team to celebrate on Homecoming, Homecoming 2024 was a great end to Q1 and fun-filled start to the fall.