As the days move closer to 2022, a shadow looms over Bonita Vista High (BVH). The same shadow that has loomed over the entire world over the past 19 months; the COVID-19 pandemic. It particularly was responsible for the cancellation of BVH’s 2021 homecoming dance—a dance many seniors may have been waiting for. 

All students who returned to school were met with an empty dance floor on their original homecoming date, leaving dreary disappointment in them. Then, the unexpected occurred; the Homecoming dance resurrected, has been revived and now will be held on Nov. 20 at the USS Midway.

“I was disappointed that there wasn’t a dance,” 2022 Task Force President and senior Isabella Garcia said. “[It would’ve been] very homecoming-y to [come back to] school [with the dance] because that’s kind of the idea [of being] welcomed back to school. To have that dance [it] would have been really fun and exciting.”

During the weeks leading up to the Homecoming game, the dance was not postponed but instead it was canceled with little hope of return, according to Assistant Principal of Student Activities Christopher Alvarez. Four weeks later, the event was put in the past and no longer to be considered for BVH. Students then realized how they were deprived of the 2021 Homecoming for the sake of their health.

“I thought it was kind of weird to have an assembly and allow the football game [but] not allow the dance, especially because the homecoming football game had a lot of people. It had most of the vocal music department, [everybody’s parents] who were performing, football players and cheerleaders [from both schools],” Garcia said. “I’m part of [the 2022] Task Force, which coordinates the dances, and the reason [Alvarez] gave us for not having a homecoming dance was because there would be too many people, even if it was outside.”

Through the best efforts of BVH students and staff, such as the school’s 2022 Task Force and Associated Student Body (ASB), the impacts of COVID-19 still managed to affect the BVH community. The students’ safety was ruled over the cultural view of the event. Regulations, best interests of staff, as well as district-wide decisions concluded that though it was sad to see COVID take yet another event from students, the event could not occur. 

“It was a little upsetting because we know that this [Homecoming dance] is what students look forward to. But [we] also understand that the district had the best interest [of] the [students’ health] at heart. It was beyond the control of my hands,” Alvarez said.

Despite all odds and the reasoning given for the Homecoming dance’s cancellation, there was a light in the darkness and things began to move back into motion. An announcement in the gym reinvigorated the student body, giving most what they wanted, a Homecoming dance.

“I think I, along with pretty much everyone, were disappointed because it was our senior year and we’ve been at home for [around] a year, [a little] more. So, being able to [somewhat] return to normality and being able to go out with friends or going out to homecoming dances [felt] really exciting,” ASB Technology Commissioner, Homecoming court prince and senior Pablo Shimizu said. “I was looking around in the gym when they announced it and everyone was cheering or looking at each other [saying] ‘No way!’ They were all happy.”

The difference between the past and present Homecomings would be that before, BVH didn’t have this shadow looming over them. Though the shadow is present, the Barons shine on and push forward. Special regulations will continue to be in place to keep the students of BVH safe through their Homecoming night.

“[This Homecoming will be very different] because one of the things that the district wants to do is [have it be an] outside venue. We’re a big school so we have to find a big venue to hold all the kids outdoors,” Alvarez said. “We are going to practice COVID-19 protocols, [and] everyone who buys a ticket is going to have to show a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to the dance. [Wearing] masks are going to be required at the dance as well.”

To some of the staff members, the Homecoming dance isn’t just any other dance that students choose to go to for a fun night and create some memories. It’s a continuation of tradition for the school that is to be passed on through generations. The torch of Homecoming flourishes as it’s “passed on from generation to generation, year after year,” according to Alvarez.

“When ninth and 10th graders usually come to Bonita, they’re brought in knowing that we have [extracurriculars such as]  music machine, journalism,  band and ASB. [I’m sure] these kids [who] are brand new to high school don’t even know what homecoming [is],” Alvarez said. “When you’re coming in as a ninth-grader, you see these seniors [who] teach you the culture of the school. Everyone’s learning [how to do] everything [again].”