By Martha Jackson
When I was in high school, homecoming was simple.
A boy nervously asked during passing period, you found a dress, and that was it. Dinner with your date (maybe another couple if you were lucky), an awkward corsage exchange in the living room, and then off to the dance. No pre-parties, no after-parties, no Pinterest boards required.
Today? Homecoming feels like The Hunger Games.
Forget just going with a date — you need to land in the “right” group, score an invite to the best after-party, and make sure your restaurant reservation outshines the rest. It’s less about welcoming back alumni and more about who’s who in the social hierarchy.
And let’s be honest: parents get caught up, too.
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Some quietly campaign to secure their child’s place in the “right” group, as if the stakes couldn’t be higher.
But here’s the truth — we won’t always be around to land them the perfect job, circle of friends, or after-party invite. Maybe homecoming is the chance to let them navigate it on their own and learn that sometimes you won’t get the invite, and that’s OK.
The “ask” has also spiraled. What used to be a shaky hallway question is now a full-on production: poster boards, candy, twinkle lights, and a pun clever enough for TikTok.
The hardest part is when a kid pours their heart into an ask, shows up proud, and gets nothing but a blank stare in return. I’ve heard the stories, and as a mom, it’s heartbreaking. These “asks” may look cute on social media, but the rejection behind them can sting for years.
Then there are the events themselves. Pre-parties with balloon arches, themed backdrops, and catered spreads. After-parties decorated like mini music festivals. It’s not a dance anymore; it’s a competition of budgets, planning committees, and Instagrammable moments. Somewhere along the way, the fun turned into a full-blown production.
I’m not saying we need to roll back the clock. But maybe it’s worth remembering what homecoming was meant to be: school spirit, friends, fun. Not who got the fanciest dinner or the most elaborate after-party. Because in the long run, kids won’t remember the balloon arch or the trendy restaurant. They’ll remember how they felt.
Martha Jackson, host of The Bubble Lounge Podcast, has lived in University Park for 20 years. She’s passionate about connecting with fellow moms, supporting local businesses, and finding humor in the chaos.
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