October 28, 2023: Homecoming.

A Night in Neverland, a dream world where most people usually think of  Peter Pan and Tinkerbell. Homecoming themes have been popular as long as homecoming has been practiced. The homecoming tradition is said to be dated back to 1911 in “The History Of Homecoming” by the Mizzou Alumni Association.

Governor Thomas Johnson High School has participated in the homecoming tradition for many years, the theme often including fun ideas like a Hollywood theme Homecoming in 2019. A Night in Neverland is the current theme. Many students attend homecoming as it is an event for all grade levels in highschool, the decorations correlate with the theme. Dressing up with the theme is optional; some students may or may not match the theme of homecoming.

Current senior Zoe Korth said, “Even if I knew the theme before homecoming I wouldn’t dress to the theme, the décor is nice though.”  As the students from the SGA that come up with and execute the themes through their decorations beautifully another point added by Zoe was, “I’d like themes that are more doable, a color theme or glitter, something everyone can participate in.”

Homecoming is also known for nomination and voting for royals, many students run to be nominated and voted to be royals. Current SGA advisor Mrs. Sterling’s thoughts on the current theme, “I love it.”

Coming up with themes is often a long process, they first start out as proposals from students within the SGA. The proposals are for the following year. Proposals have to be a slideshow that include the main theme, decorations, and price. “I almost never pitch into themes.” Sterling included.

The main goal of the SGA is to make homecoming feel different every year with the unique ideas. Mrs. Sterling said, “We don’t repeat themes until five years have passed.” So the current classes don’t see a repeating year. Since Mrs. Sterling had become an advisor the SGA had never repeated a theme. Many schools and colleges participate in homecoming, the usual tradition is the alumni “comes home” to their school and they usually have dances and celebrations after, like a reunion. In more recent years the tradition of homecoming is after a football game and is followed up with the dance and celebration.

At TJ, the themes are usually revealed two weeks before the game and nominees for royals can sign up to participate in the vote. Zoe commented on the topic saying, “Other schools have a better royalty system, they pay more attention to the royals.” She also added, “I’d like to include better music, maybe have each senior pick a song.”

Overall, the homecoming experience at TJ is wonderful and the SGA members make lovely themes and have beautiful decorations, many students show up and show out at the homecoming game and dance.