Homecoming is a tradition all throughout the country. All schools do it differently, but one aspect that is promised to be a constant, Homecoming Court. While the tradition is not the same in real life as it is in stereotypical movies, where the mean girl practically breaks her back to receive the crown, there certainly is controversy surrounding the topic.

In years past, the tradition has gone like this: Multiple people from each grade are nominated to run for Homecoming Court. As the date gets closer, people begin to cast their votes for a couple to receive the crown and sash. On the night of the dance, one boy and one girl from each grade is selected, and that is that. However, within the past ten years the rules have slightly changed to be more inclusive. The voting then became any duo could win per grade instead of  one girl and one boy. Unfortunately, the results of this new system were not all effective. Instead of having more inclusivity, it left students to win for example, with someone who is not their boyfriend or girlfriend, leaving an awkward situation. There were many complaints from Woodland students about the previous year’s results. 

“There has to be a way to avoid the awkwardness of the results from 2022 Homecoming when no one won with their real date,” said Eva Lynn, a student at Woodland. 

Now jumping to this year, the tradition has once again been changed. This year, students may be nominated in pairs, allowing them to run and win with the person of their choice. So far, this has been a more successful method, leaving a content homecoming court.

According to Woodland students, 20% of them would prefer to have students run individually as previously mentioned, where students may win with whoever. 80% of students prefer this year’s system where nominees run in pairs. Thankfully, the school has found a way that satisfies the students while staying inclusive and true to the tradition. At least for now.