Cross Campus

Lawrence Homecoming Dance Sees Decline in Popularity

The excitement at Lawrence High’s Homecoming game and dance has been steadily dwindling throughout the years. Once an extravagant event and staple of social life in Lawrence, the Lancer Pride isn’t as loud as it used to be.

“It’s not as big at Lawrence High as it was when I was in high school. It’s something that’s more important to other schools who generate stands filled to the brim with alumni and students,” said Jennifer Blanchard, the cheerleading coach and frequent Homecoming game attendee.

In the same vein, the traditional Homecoming dance following the football dance has seen a general decline in interest over the years. Although interest in some years have spiked, the dance is hard to plan because ticket sales rarely indicate the popularity of the actual event. Last year, 200 tickets were sold and over 600 people showed up to the event. The result was chaos: The staff had to kick out students without tickets, according to Richard Gorham, a teacher at HLD.

“We’ve had years when we’ve had 150 kids show up and years where there was no interest and we didn’t even have a homecoming dance because of that,” said Gorham.

The dance has become a matter of indifference to many students. “I’ll probably go. I’m not busy that day. I went last year. It’s like, once you’ve gone to one Homecoming you’ve gone to all of them.” said Cesar Abad, HLD ’15.

As it seems, Homecoming is becoming a dying tradition at Lawrence High. The Homecoming Princess isn’t of much appeal anymore as well. It’s also an event that is meant to spark a little interest and controversy, but is somehow still hit with indifference.

“No one will even remember the homecoming princess by Monday morning,” said Digna Vargas, BMF ’15.