ASB starts new homecoming traditions

The Samo pep squad will not be hosting the annual Homecoming Dance for the first time in six years, due to a recent decline in ticket sales and profit. Instead, the dance will be hosted by ASB.“The first year cheer hosted, six years ago, we made $10,000 from that one night. That number stayed the same for a bit, but it’s been steadily declining over the past years. Last Homecoming, we raised only $3,000,” cheerleading coach Amy Meadors said.In the past, the Homecoming Dance served as a fundraiser for the cheer team’s trip to UCA Nationals in Orlando, Florida. Their hosting duties included making decorations, setting up the dance, and cleaning up.Some cheerleaders are disappointed that their duties for the dance have been reduced, but many appreciate the break.“Cheer is pretty busy during this time of the year putting together the homecoming pep-rally routine as well as preparing for our upcoming competitive season and football games, so I think most of us appreciate one less thing to balance,” Varsity co-captain Jackie Spiegel said.Although nobody can pinpoint the reason for the rapid decline in attendance, Meadors speculates the cause is simply lack of excitement.“I didn’t go to the Dance last year because it was going on at Samo and it just seemed boring,” junior Nina Bracey said. However, with a new location and theme this year, she has decided to give the Homecoming Dance a try. “I’m going this year to dress up, see my friends and dance. Hopefully it will be fun.”According to Junior Representative Valerie Vance, ASB is looking forward to taking on the challenge of hosting Homecoming this year. The dance will be centered on an Old Hollywood theme, and tickets are currently on sale.“[The dance] is a great opportunity to show the Samo community what we are capable of. It’s been a challenge getting it started, but it should be really fun,” Vance, who is the co-president of the Homecoming Dance committee, said.ASB is hoping to draw more participants this year in an effort to heighten school spirit and bring in more revenue. The dance will be held at The Women’s Club in Santa Monica the same week as the pep rally and football game.“The admission costs are lower so the dance will be more affordable, so more students should be able to attend,” H-House Representative Tiana Kadkhoda said. “Also, instead of crowning the Homecoming King at the pep rally, there will be a crowning ceremony at the Homecoming Dance itself.”The Homecoming Queen will still be crowned at the football game, as has happened in past years.“We’re still following some traditions,” Kadkhoda said. “But we’re also hoping to start some new ones.”Aliza AbarbanelStaff Writer