Bridgewater-Raritan High School’s Student Council served as the host to the 2024 Homecoming Dance following the annual Homecoming Game on Saturday, September 28.
The dance started at 6 p.m. and ended at 9 p.m with a Hollywood theme inspired by the gold and red decorations, including the sequined backdrop of the photo booth and the lights.
Student Council Sergeant at Arms, Dev Gandhi said, “After weeks of planning, hard work, dedication, and immense support from our students and staff, the dance turned out to be a great hit.”
Hundreds of students arrived in Hollywood-inspired formal wear to dance, laugh and support their respective classes.
Homecoming is intended to raise money for the 2025 and 2026 classes and provide students with an opportunity to socialize. During SAT and College Applicaitons season, stress relievers such as school dances are extremely important, allowing students to direct their focus toward dancing and community. This creates a balance between academics and social life.
The main dance was held in the small gym, where a DJ, glambot and photo booth, that elevated the atmosphere.
Refreshments were available in the large cafe. Assorted chips, drinks and candy were sold to raise money for the classes; cotton candy and popcorn were free. Most students oscillated between dancing in the dance room and socializing with their friends in the large cafe. One photo booth had a Hollywood Hoco backdrop while the other printed out photo strips.
In the previous 2023-2024 school year, the Student Council hosted a Homecoming Dance that was open to all grades. However, this year the student council limited the dance to upperclassmen and incorporated a theme. Despite the grade limitations, the dance received a huge turnout.
Additionally, the theme addressed previous requests for a less basic and “school-like” environment. Homecoming dances are appearing to become a tradition following the annual Homecoming game.
Dev comments on the goals and predicted continuity of Homecoming dances. “This is starting to become a tradition that the student council will continue to honor and celebrate, hoping to see more inclusivity and acceptance from more of our student body over time,” he said.
