One of the most anticipated dates of the year is approaching, and the excitement of students fills the halls of Glenbard North as this year’s homecoming draws near!

This year’s theme, Emerald City, promises to bring a memorable night full of magic and sparkle. With the help of the student council, our school will transform the gym into a new and extraordinary world this Saturday, October 4, from 6-9 p.m. Students selected the theme through a survey, and the Influencers team has been promoting the dance on social media.

According to Student Council Advisor Matthew Guglielmi, the theme for this year’s dance was chosen after “Student Council picked five themes and then, at the end of last year, the students voted on a Wizard of Oz/Wicked theme. We then came up with ‘There’s No Place Like North’ as a title.” Adding to this, Social Media Influencers Club Advisor Dave Hennessey explained further how the theme was chosen by stating, “The Student Council brainstorms around five ideas in the spring for next year’s HOCO. We then narrow it down to three and send it over to the influencers, who put it out to the student body for a final vote. Whichever theme has the most votes wins.”

Glenbard North’s Homecoming Week kicks off Monday with themed spirit days leading up to the big and eagerly awaited HOCO Football game against Lake Park on Friday at 7 p.m. The theme for the football game is “White Out.” Students will be wearing creative outfits and plenty of school spirit this week.

This year’s Homecoming Spirit Week themes are:

• Monday: Wear your favorite pajamas to school.
• Tuesday: Match with your friends and join our Twins theme.
• Wednesday: Let’s go back in time by dressing from your favorite decade.
• Thursday: Did you love the movie Wicked? Show your colors with Elphaba vs. Glinda day
• Friday: It’s time to support our school! Wear black and gold and join us at the Football game.

If you are not coming to the dance, don’t worry about it. Glenbard North offers many other activities throughout the week that students can enjoy. Get ready for some fun with the library’s Yellow Brick Road Challenge! Whether it’s before or after school, during Panther Hour, Collab Hour, or even lunch, you can dive into 12 exciting mini games and compete for awesome prizes. 

The Homecoming dance will feature plenty of activities besides dancing for students to enjoy, including:

• Food trucks will be available with items from $3-$10.
• The Photo Booth will be located by the dance studio.
• If students don’t want to participate in the dance, they have the option of joining Karaoke and Video Games for extra fun.

Guglielmi noted that one of the most exciting parts of the night is “the ability to choose what you want to do-dance, karaoke, play video games, or just hang out.” Likewise, Hennessey mentioned that “there is truly something for everyone. It is a fun, inclusive environment, no matter what vibe you are looking for!” Both teachers indicated that this year will feel different in comparison to past years’ dances. “We brought back a popular DJ and expanded our karaoke stages,” said Hennessey. Furthermore, since karaoke at school was something most students were looking forward to last year, students will now have two karaoke options-one inside and one outside- to keep lines short and allow everyone to sing their favorite songs with their friends.

Tickets for the dance are only 25$ and can be bought online through GoFan. Cash-only tickets can be acquired at the Bookstore, or at the door on the night of the dance.Each student may bring one high school-aged guest under 20 with a completed guest pass that students can acquire from the Dean’s office. These should be arranged in advance since guest tickets will not be sold on the day of the dance. 

Reminders:

• Students will need to bring their school ID.
• No entry after 7:30 p.m.
• Students can leave at any time, but there is no re-entry.
• Students can either dress according to the theme or wear whatever makes them comfortable.
• Parking is available in the main lot off Lies Road.
• Enter through door 10.

With food, school spirit, games, and tons of pride for our school, this year’s Homecoming is set to be one to remember.