1911: A Kansas vs. Missouri game at the University of Missouri. A union between alumni and students. An inadvertent start to a tradition that would carry for decades to come. Homecoming.
Over a century old, Homecoming has evolved drastically from what it used to be. Originally a football game inviting alumni of various colleges and universities, it served as a sort of gathering far different from the occasion it is now. Since its start, it has become ubiquitous among the calendars of almost all high schools across the country, with Texas High School specifically having numerous timeless Homecoming traditions.
“Personally, my favorite tradition [is] the mums and the garters,” Student Council Director Susan Waldrep said. “I mean when I was in school we did live mums, but I just love them because they are so unique and interesting.”
Mums, much like Homecoming, have quite a bit of history to them, with certain students enjoying their longevity within the school’s culture. Dating back to the 1930s, they are essentially large corsages personalized for the person receiving them.
“I think the mum tradition is a good tradition,” senior Max Likins said. “We’ve had it for several years, and I think it just ties back to our Texan culture as Texas High School, especially since mums are such a big thing in Texas.”
Many such traditions take place before the actual event, allowing students to unleash their creativity in different ways, particularly in terms of dates.
“I like the tradition of the boys making posters for their homecoming dates,” senior Madelynne Adams said. “I feel like it not only makes the girls feel appreciated, but it also just allows them to take creative liberties with it, like using an inside joke, or something fun like that.”
Such creative liberties are often encouraged by the school, specifically by way of dress-up days. Preparation for these days, although not often seen, ensures a continuation of school spirit leading up to this yearly event.
“The process that we came up with for the spirit days was having everybody put in ideas and look at what they wanted,” Waldrep said. “They researched what other schools did. They got on social media platforms, and they just came up with them. Some we renew every year, and then some, if people don’t like it, we cut it. So I send it to Mr. Renner, and he approves it.”
The students’ opinions also come into play in yet another timeless tradition: Homecoming Court. A group of girls nominated and voted for by the senior class, the court serves as a representation of different groups of people.
“I think my place is important on court because not everyone is athletic or involved in cheer or drill team,” senior Hannah White. “I feel like I give that different perspective of a girl who is in theater. I’m a part of a group of different girls who can come together and represent the school.”
Different from these lasting traditions, this time of the year makes way for the recurrence of older customs and the continuation of them in the future. The Homecoming Dress Boutique, for instance, allows students to get dressed for the upcoming dance for free.
“I do think, moving forward, that it would be a great tradition to have. There’s just so many dresses that can be recycled since they’re just being worn for such a short time,” Prom Boutique Committee member Dana Syzmanski said. “I mean speaking from a parent standpoint, with the economy, sometimes there’s kids that choose not to go to prom because they don’t want to go out and spend that much money, or they can’t find a certain style. So this just may be an option to get more people involved.”
All customs aside, the continuation of Homecoming specifically at Texas High serves as a tradition in itself, promoting a sense of esprit de corps across the school.
“I think our Homecoming is more about unity than competition, and I like that,” Waldrep said. “We’re all going to go to the presentation of the court, we’re all going to vote and we’re all going to have a good time.”
