Student speaks out being silenced, against Homecoming tradition

To the Editor:

I recently wrote an editorial about Homecoming in my journalism class at Oakmont, which I thought would be published in our school newspaper, "The Oakmoniter." Apparently, some members of our student council (who work hard to planning the event) were offended by my editorial and soon word got around that I was anti-school spirit and "targeting" the student council.

Unfortunately, many of the people who were against this editorial being published never actually had a chance to read it. Sadly, the Oakmont administration decided it should not be published in our school newspaper. I am asking that you publish it so that students, school staff and parents can decide for themselves whether or not this was "fit to print."

Picture this: 500 kids jammed into a sweaty cafeteria. Picture the girls in their blindingly sparkly dresses, and the boys looking uncomfortable in their jackets and ties. Envision them packed close together, the noxious fumes from hundreds of hairspray cans choking the masses and screaming of ozone depletion. Now imagine these kids dancing. Twisting, breaking, and booty shaking to blaring rap music, as they listen to the songs about "pimpin” "ridin' dirty," and "livin' in da hood," and pretend that they can relate.

This is The Homecoming Dance of 2007. The "big night" happens this year on Nov. 4, from 6 to 10 p.m., and oh, how the anticipation is mounting! Dates are already being snagged and stressed over, and dress stores are being emptied of their garish goods. Hair appointments - maybe even arrangements for acrylic claws - are hurriedly being scheduled, because we all want to dish out thirty plus dollars to ensure our absolute beauty, if only for four brief hours in the dark. Even tickets to Homecoming are pricey.

Twenties are being shelled out for what is nearly identical to a regular school dance, with only the addition of "highclass" decorations, a table of snacks, and small plastic key chains printed with cute quotes that are obviously necessary for keeping the memory of your night alive. Just in case the ten million pictures taken beforehand aren't enough.

So, yes, I'm anti-Homecoming. I think it's stupid, a waste of money, and quite frankly, pretty pathetic. Even more pathetic however, is that fact that despite my contempt for Homecoming, I will no doubt be attending. I'll buy the ticket, wear the dress, and even curl my hair. More likely than not, I will end up enjoying myself. After all, as the exceedingly wise Wes Smith once put it, "memories need to be made." Thank you,

Jill D'Onfro

Westminster