Students at Bethel have mixed feelings about the “Night on the Bayou” Homecoming 2024 dance, which takes place in the main gym on September 21st from 6:00 to 8:30 pm.

Many are wondering what “Night in the bayou” means.  Juliana Baker, the main decorator for the event, explains Homecoming will feature “a lot of lights, […] masks, and black and gold.”

Gabrielle Golden, Secretary of the SCA, added that the theme refers to “New Orleans…on the water.” When she thinks of “Night in the Bayou,” she imagines “sounds like water and rain.”

The SCA collaborated with Ms. Young in weekly meetings to ensure a fun event for all students, taking last year’s feedback into account. Gabrielle highlighted that Ms. Young’s involvement has been important for Homecoming’s potential success. 

“We worked so hard for the theme,” Gabrielle stated.

  Some students seem optimistic about the dance and plan to attend. They appreciate the effort and planning that has gone into organizing the event, even if they can’t be there in person.

A freshman praised the theme for referencing “Princess and the Frog” and went on to say, “I think the coordinators are going to do an amazing job.” 

“I was planning to go originally, but I decided not to,” one senior revealed. “But I think the theme’s really cool.”

In spite of the SCA’s efforts, student response as a whole has been lackluster. A survey conducted by Bear Facts reporters reveals that, out of 59 respondents, only 33.9% were certain that they would attend, and 35.5% confirmed they would not be present during the event.

Students expressed concerns about everything from the ticket prices ($20 a five dollar increase from last year) to the theme, logistics, and timing. 

“I feel like it is too early in the year to do Homecoming and also last minute,” one student wrote. Another remarked that the theme reminded them of “molded over trees,” and it seems impossible for Bethel to “make it look good.”

While some students are skeptical, organizers hope to change their minds by pulling off the best Homecoming dance in recent memory.

“This homecoming will be clean,” Gabrielle stated. Regardless of opinion, this Homecoming has certainly sparked conversation and seems on track be a night to remember.