For the ninth year at the new MV, students attended the Homecoming dance in Changnon Gym on October 19, 2024.

The back-to-school jitters are gone, and the first big event of the school year has arrived.

Alana Anderson ‘26, a member of the decoration committee stated, “I can’t wait to see everything come together, as well as watching everyone have a wonderful night.”

The anticipation revolving around the dance is building and Student Council members are preparing for an amazing night.

Dr. VanZandt, Student Council co-advisor, mentioned that Student Council has been preparing for the dance since August 15th.

This early lead and sense of urgency from Student Council has allowed them to align every detail for the upcoming dance. 

This proper time-management permitted and well-prepared dance, Anderson hit on the topic by saying, “The theme is “Night on the Bayou”. We are aiming for a fairy-tale look, incorporating tree stumps, greenery, and plenty of lights.”

More noticeably, there have been special additions to this year’s homecoming decorations that separate it from prior years.

Once more, Anderson detailed, “With the help of Christina Johnson, we have a balloon tunnel and columns, when we have not had anything like that in previous years.”

This new element adds a higher expectation, another thing to look forward to at this year’s dance.

In addition to the balloon tunnel and columns, Dr. VanZandt added, “We’ve employed Talia Campbell of A Walk in the Wind.” for this year’s homecoming, Dr. VanZandt also told students to expect, “Lots of navy, blue, purple, lilac, and green … bayou decor.”

One thing that hasn’t changed in recent years is the music.

Cam Meyer and other Student Council members have tried to make aware that a Google form for requests has been sent out, and the music is expected to be clean.

With this opportunity in place for students, it should allow for a more engaging and involved dance, due to more favorable songs being played.

With so many moving parts involved in this night, there are many safety concerns, to deal with this Mrs. Christi Besant states, “Metal detectors and two officers will be present.”

This will do the trick to make sure everyone has a fun and safe night.

The preparation for the dance is almost complete and Mrs. Besant put it best when she said, “It is going to be a great night. You will miss these dances after you graduate! Make the most of it!”

These few high school dances that we all get to experience are all made better by the help of Student Council.

Dr. Jamie VanZandt commented on the dance for the students, stating, “I’d like for all MV students to enjoy the week and especially the dance – it’s all for them.”

He hoped all students would recognize and understand this, heading into a night that they’ll never forget.