Every fall, high schools across the country celebrate the peak of football season with festivities, reunions, and of course, the big dance. It is a week to worry a little less about class and a little more about costume preparation. Homecoming in high school is the opportunity to create memories and simply have fun in the usually boring learning environment. Whether you are a nostalgic alumnus or an excited freshman, homecoming is the most memorable week of high school that you will cherish for a lifetime.

1. Dress Up Days

Who doesn’t love an excuse to wear a crazy costume to school? The excitement of Homecoming week builds up as every day you get to show off your creativity, humor, and aptitude for Goodwill shopping. Walking through the hallways, you see everyone decked out in their amazing attire with smiles and excitement. The ability to wear something unusual makes you feel so happy, even a pop quiz won’t seem so horrible. At the end of each day, everybody can take pictures to save those awesome memories.

2. School Spirit

Of course, we can’t forget the main event of Homecoming—the football game. Throughout the week, not only is everyone excited to dress up, but also to bring the hype for those Friday Night Lights. Most schools also have a pep rally before the game to get the entire school energized and unified to win one of the most important games of the season. In the nature of class rivalry, there will definitely be a competition between the grades to prove who are the loudest, biggest fans of their team. Homecoming is an opportunity to show ultimate school spirit.

3. Seeing Old Faces

Like the name says, Homecoming is an amazing week to celebrate high school with both current and past students coming home. Alumni love to return to visit their old friends and teachers. It’s a time to reunite and catch up with old classmates. Of course, everybody loves watching the Homecoming Court and waiting to see last year’s royalty crowning the new king and queen. There is no better time to reconnect with old friends and look back on wonderful memories.

4. The Dance

The thrill of Homecoming week always concludes with the fun of the dance. Everyone dresses up in their finest outfits, looking and feeling so beautiful and handsome. Girls spend all day getting hair and makeup ready to enjoy a nice dinner and picture party. However, once everybody has their Instagram-worthy photos, the pristine looks are forgotten in favor of some intense dancing. The best memories are formed on the dance floor, where you dance the night away with your friends while avoiding eye contact with the teacher chaperones.

Homecoming week is the best time of year in high school as students can momentarily forget about their classwork and make lifelong memories. Everyone can enjoy the awesome school-wide festivities from football games to school spirit.