Dons of every grade attended the Homecoming Dance on Saturday, Sep. 16, 2023. Cerritos High School’s Quad lit up from 7 to 11 P.M. with the theme, Once Upon a Dream, planned by ASB in the spring of 2023. Over 600 people attended, making it an overwhelming success.
Students arrived through the north gate with security checks once inside. When done with that, they walked through a lush, glowing white archway. Around the entrance, Dons could get free snacks and affordable iced drinks. The campus was transformed by blue, silver, and white fabrics, all while backlit by a rich navy blue. Glowing fairy lights lit up an exclusive area where glitter tattoos, air hockey, foosball tables, a 360 photo booth, and numerous other photo opportunities awaited them. A senior, Sanai Wilson, expressed her feelings about her last Homecoming: “I feel kinda sad, but excited to see my friends at a party one last time.” As well as the experience of receiving a glitter tattoo, “It was fun, and she was really gentle, though it tickled a little.”
Across from the game area, a horse-drawn carriage out of a fairy tale awaited the students as if it were fantasy. The ecstatic students had to patiently wait in line until stepping onto a royal white carriage with friends, pulled by twin white horses, Cap and Gray. Carried along golden hooves, surrounded by vines with white flowers and vibrant lights, it was one of the most memorable moments of the night. A group of juniors named Mariana Alarcon, Maya Jenkins, and Roxy Delos Santos praised their ride by remarking, “I went on the carriage and loved it! The aesthetic is nice and glittery.” Dream Catchers Carriages director Jennifer Mitchell explained her ten years in business and owning Cap and Gray for seven. She agreed that while Cerritos students were excited, they were always cooperative. Ultimately, the carriage was an enormous hit, but many students still flocked to the dancefloor when hearing their favorite songs.
It was apparent that the Dons were down to dance, with the dance floor continuously packed. A sophomore, Niya Licudine, voiced her satisfaction with the night, “The dance is lively and fits with the theme. I think the song list is nice and upbeat.” Songs by Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj, and Cardi-B had the crowd jumping, and Terry Khraishi (DJ Cool Whip) played favorites such as California Love, Cupid Shuffle, Gangnam Style, and Party In The USA. DJ Cool Whip explained his reason for coming to this Homecoming Dance: to “keep the party alive!” Also, near the crowd, a group of freshmen named Arya Bhakta, Chrisette McAlister, Jaz Boonchoo, Rachel Hawara, and Tia Yokoyama described their first Homecoming dance as: “fun and set up really nicely.”
The Cerritos High School Staff was also present, securing the area while ensuring students across the campus stayed safe. Activities director Holly Matchett also talked about her pride in how the dance was executed, “While exhausting, it’s amazing how many students are here; this is one of the best dances so far.” The Principal of Cerritos High School, Mr. Patrick Walker, explained: “The Homecoming dance theme was picked by ASB, who always selects the theme, but I want a horse and carriage!” Also, Principal Walker talked about a jingle made by Carey Lin: “You know Ms. Lin, the previous Assistant Principal at Cerritos High School now at Ross, always used to say ‘Outside dances forever!’ as a little jingle after the dance was over.”
Homecoming dances have long been a tradition at Cerritos High, and this continued yet another year of elaborate and dynamic celebrations. Here’s to another year of festivities!
