Dance plans at Hellgate revised following annulment of Homecoming event
Hellgate High School Cancels Homecoming Dances, Prom to Remain
In a surprising turn of events, Principal Judson Miller of Hellgate High School announced on September 19 that homecoming dances would no longer be held at the school. This decision, which has stirred a mix of reactions among students, was made due to concerns regarding school etiquette, the amount of effort required, and disagreements within the student body.
Senior Sawyer Reed expressed disappointment, especially among underclassmen, as there has been no dance other than prom in five years. Anika Stimec, another senior, finds the decision to cancel all dances besides prom to be "a little harsh". However, some students, such as Story Caldwell, don't feel extremely saddened by the cancellation of dances.
The behaviors causing these issues include students arriving under the influence, parents arriving late to pick up intoxicated students, and students sneaking out of the dance location into the school. Principal Miller sent an email to parents outlining these reasons before the meeting.
Miller stresses the need to attend to the brand of Hellgate High School and the liabilities of the school. He finds it difficult to provide a consistent experience due to the issues mentioned above. He believes that resources would be better reallocated to other parts of the school.
The prom is off-campus and caters to an older group of students. It will still be held and is considered an important high school experience. NHS students asked questions about how other schools put on dances, to which Miller responded that it is not a lack of ability, but a lack of attendance and behavior that has been the root of the issue.
Ally Parsons, a student who finds dances to be a way for the Hellgate community to connect outside of school hours, finds the timing of the cancellation frustrating as some had already bought dresses for the event. Principal Miller emphasizes the GOAT game as an example of a school function that everyone finds enjoyable.
Miller stated that schools are no longer in the entertainment business and that school-sponsored dances are expected to function like a safe nightclub. He has received emails of complaints about past dances, citing them as no fun, too sexualized, or fine. Despite the cancellations, Miller remains hopeful about creating a more enjoyable and safe environment for all students at Hellgate High School.
- Some students believe that the resources allocated for education-and-self-development activities could have been better utilized to organize school dances, as they provide opportunities for community engagement outside of academic settings.
- Ally Parsons, who sees school dances as valuable for building a stronger rent relationship within the Hellgate community, is frustrated by the sudden cancellation, especially since she had already made preparations for the event.
