The most anticipated song of the night has just commenced. “Oh my gosh I love this song!” you excitedly announce to anyone within an earshot distance while readily clearing a large distance to perform what will be the dance highlight of your high school career. This is not just another tune, no. In fact your close friends no longer refer to it by its name; rather, it is ‘your’ song. Adrenaline pumping, this is your moment to show off to the student body your amazing moves; an opportunity to display a side not seen in the classroom on a day-to-day basis.

Nazareth students of all grade levels danced the night away during this year’s Homecoming: Under the Big Top,  impressing many of their fellow peers with their skills. Old school reemerged into many students’ moves: Macarena. Robot. Shopping Cart. Cha cha. Along with today’s favorites: Fist pumping. Bernie. Dougie. Gangnam Style. What made this year’s Homecoming dance the best ever, among many other aspects, was the inclusion of the entire student body and the coming together as one to celebrate our school pride in an enjoyable fashion.

With a plethora of diverse music–guaranteed to satisfy a wide-range of musical tastes–the DJ drew all students onto the floor, blasting the best beat-drops and squeezing in tasteful slow songs for the couples’ and their dates. Taylor McClanathan, a sophomore, exclaimed, “If I hadn’t gone to this year’s homecoming, I don’t know what I would’ve done! This was the best homecoming yet.” Truly a night that will be forever cherished as one spent with friends, perhaps a special someone and meeting new acquaintances.

Before the Homecoming dance itself began, Homecoming season began a few weeks prior.  Nothing less than respect and admiration can be rewarded to the brave soul who initiated, what I denote to as, the Asking Season. Guys this year went all out in order to win over their special gals. I’ve never seen this much creativity and planning and overall effort in recent years.

A week before Homecoming, the annual Spirit Week festivities commenced and Student Council pulled out all the stunts to pump up the student body. Just to name a few of many activities thoroughly designed to incorporate the Homecoming circus theme include: popcorn during lunches, Ringling Brothers day–twin day–, Class Act Day –dress according to a designated grade level color–, a special celebrity appearance by Anthony the Balloon Man who created elaborate balloon art that turned into a performance in itself, and a bozo buckets competition during lunches; winners from each grade level received an opportunity to play on a much larger scale in the pep rally.

The Friday preceding the dance The Rooney Student Center was packed to the brim; unbeknownst to the students they were in for many surprises. Performances by regulars encompassed: Color Guard and the band, a special ‘glow-in-the-dark’ spotlight routine by the Drum Line, and all the levels of Cheer and Poms, proved surely these regulars have not lost their touch and as well had everyone on their feet applauding our spirited, involved students. Laughs erupted from the gymnasium when “Evolution of Dance” –now a YouTube hit amongst Naz students- began to play. Reenacting different generations of signature dance moves and even stretching into today’s popular grooves.  I must applaud the teachers, faculty, administration and staff’s bravery and enthusiasm; their lively spirit is truly admirable and certainly added smiles to every single audience member that morning. Did I mention: Mr. Gonzalez wore a bright pink suit? The lights cut. Darkness flooded the gym.

No one had any idea what to expect. In the dark gym, as preparations were made for something’s arrival…that something didn’t want to come in.

Unfortunately, Sasha Fierce, a surprise guest camel–famous for Geico’s ‘Hump Day’ commercial–got a case of the butterflies and refused to enter into the gym doors so in her place, a baby alpaca made her debut promoting the WALK following the pep rally and the Naz Fest after the 3.5 mile trip.   Sasha Fierce, the sassy camel with a mind of her own, grew able and willing for photo opportunities later, however. If only Naz had a slightly, more elevated ceiling, perhaps Student Council would have brought in an elephant!

John Zalewski, a sophomore, comments, “The entire pep rally was really fun but we all missed the camel’s appearance; the dance was a lot of fun too.” Darren Flannigan, also a sophomore remarks, “I feel the activities leading up to Homecoming and the pep rally brought our school together as roadrunners and got us pumped for such a great WALK and dance.”

Starting from summer brainstorming sessions to early-morning daily school week meetings, Student Council truly outdid themselves this year. Mrs. Gurney, Student Council faculty leader, sums up this year’s Homecoming and the unseen work behind the scenes that made this season a success, “I have never seen in all my years running Student Council, a group of leaders that stepped up, united and worked toward a goal such as this one. Each and every member contributed and worked relentlessly in order to have a Homecoming they would be proud of and one that would please their peers. Everyone put in an incredible amount of time and effort which undoubtedly qualifies this year’s Homecoming as the best. Ever.”

        One question remains. How will Student Council outdo this Homecoming next year?