Peak of Social Season

Every year, Homecoming approaches, and with it comes the fluttered conversations of eager freshmen excited for their first official dance, the speculation of who will ask whom, and the concerning amount of very public Hoco proposals. This year was no exception; these teen movie traditions fueled 2025’s celebrations and the excitement in the halls, though dimmed by the well-meaning but grumpy upperclassmen, was still bright and thriving. 

The main hallway was decked out with cityscapes and pop culture references, tirelessly put together by the creatives of each grade. The freshmen hallway theme was Paris, France, with Effiel Towers and cute cut-out bike locks as creative details that added to the exhibit. The locks, of course, reference the world-famous area, The Pont des Arts, which in Paris is known to attract lovers who want to honor their relationship by adorning the bridge with the initial engraved locks. This touch was a nod to the romantic traditions of the Homecoming dance.

The sophomore exhibit was dedicated to New York City, with beautifully painted Broadway billboards. The theatre kids of 2028 really went for it. As the crowd walked through, a taxi-dressed girl really brought the scene to life with her dedication to the role. And the meticulous effort was well worth it in the end, as they secured second place in the hallway competition.

The 11th grader’s Tokyo was truly a mini immersion of the pop culture Americans know and love in the Japanese city. From the Godzilla spirit Halloween costume to the paper cranes made by Ms. Hinz for students to take as souvenirs, the attention to detail was spectacular. 

The New Orleans decor of the Seniors exhibit had a touch of Disney’s beloved princess and the frog, and the spooky, fantastical urban myths of the bayou. Vampire and witch-dressed students bid farewell as spectators exited, leaving a chill through the cement walls of Oakland Mills. The creativity and devotion to character led the seniors to a first-place hallway win. 

The Homecoming game itself was against the previously undefeated Glenelg. The Gladiators walked away with their first defeat, and it wasn’t a close call by any means. With 50-6 being the final score, it’s safe to say Glenelg was crushed. The wide point gaps are starting to be a signature of our powerhouse football team. During the game, the crowd was wild, especially the students. Dressed in red, white, and blue, kids wore bright colored wigs, headbands, and leis. Someone even brought confetti canyons, which went off multiple times during touchdown celebrations. Not many Glenelg kids showed up, but those who did were reportedly “chill,” according to some of the football players. Despite the lack of a Glenelg crowd, Oakland Mills made up for it with their enthusiastic attendance, as always. 

Finally, the Homecoming Dance was held on the Saturday following the game. Underclassmen attendance was high this year, while upperclassmen attendance was seemingly lower than in past years. Decor-wise, the hallway to the gym was on theme with Las Vegas, which added to the cohesiveness of the cityscape theme. Some attendees commented about a socially unaware DJ who made dancing difficult. Though,  according to Junior Aubree Davis, eventually the guy got the vibe and played danceable music. May this be a lesson to future homecoming DJs: read the room and don’t mash up every song because that makes music exceedingly difficult to dance to. 

For the kids who didn’t feel like dancing, water and thinly sliced pizza were served. Karaoke took place along with the foosball table and air hockey table. Off-pitch singing of Laufey and Broadway classics radiated down the hallways.

There’s a place for everyone during homecoming week, whether it’s at home scrolling through Instagram, judging people’s looks, getting arthritis from the countless cranes to hand out in celebration, or trying to participate in the off-brand mosh pit of the sweaty gym. Really, it’s all in good fun, and what I love about Oakland Mills is that they really make it a community activity.

If you’d like any Homecoming videos or photos posted on the Scroll’s Instagram, send the pics to @omscroll.