Homecoming is approaching quickly, and anticipation is building at OHS as preparations start for what is considered one of the most popular events of the school year. STUGO has planned a lineup aimed at building excitement across the OHS campus, including spirit days, the Homecoming parade, a fall carnival, an assembly, and the long-anticipated dance.
“It’s at Desert Diamond Arena on October 25th,” said Ella Ernst, junior. “I feel like the venue is really cool because it’s just a huge open space, like where the players play.”
The expanded venue choice stems from years of OHS students requesting a larger, more exciting setting for the dance. STUGO hopes that moving the event to a stadium like the Desert Diamond Arena will set a new standard for future homecomings.
“The venue is probably going to be one of the nicest venues we’ve got,” said Shay Garraway, senior. “We were so lucky to get the venue this year, so it’s definitely going to be one of the best Homecomings.”
Leading up to the dance, students can expect a full week of spirited activities and planned events for every grade level to enjoy.
“The whole week is going to be [from] October 19th to the 25th,” Ernst said. “Monday is OC Thrift, and then Wednesday, we’re doing the parade. Thursday is the carnival, and of course, Friday is the assembly.”
This year’s assembly is also joining in when it comes to getting a new, unique twist with STUGO’s assembly committee giving each grade its own splash of creativity – from posters to performances.
“The assembly is like New York Times themed,” said Aubrey Baker, junior. “We have posters that are different things from New York and the coordinating colors with each grade.”
STUGO members say their goal is not just to host a dance for students to attend but to create a memorable buildup throughout the week leading up to it.
“We want to make spirit week super fun and the buildup to the dance just to be super exciting,” Garraway said.
Students are also buzzing about what the dance itself has in store. With a new venue that allows larger crowd capacity and an event-packed spirit week lineup, STUGO is aiming for one of the most unforgettable homecomings yet.
“We already have a good regiment for homecoming because we have our parade, and our assembly is going to be hype,” said Preston Delly, senior. “There is going to be a special performance, but we have to keep it a secret.”
For OHS, homecoming 2025 is not just another dance. With a venue like Desert Diamond Arena, entertainment-packed schedule, and carefully planned student traditions, this year’s all grade inclusive event promises to raise the bar for school spirit.
“Expect a great dance; we have a good DJ this year,” Delly said.
