One of the big events at CCS every year is Homecoming. On Friday night all of Carmel Christian went to cheer on the soccer team as they played their signature Homecoming soccer game, which Carmel won 2-1. The following night was the Homecoming Dance. This year’s Homecoming theme was Rio Nights. The Student Center was transformed into a tropical escape with vines coming down from the ceiling and lights illuminating the decorations. Many students stayed after school to work hard on transforming the Student Center, including the Student Government (SGA) Executive Team:

Cate Hilton: Project Manager, oversaw the process from beginning to end; entryway oversight

Cameron Lyerly: Project Manager, oversaw the work on the entryway and the planning and processing for setup 

Anna Jernigan: planning, organizing, specifically dance floor design

Audrey Bondurant: planning, organizing, specifically cafe design

Will Irvin: planning, organizing, specifically cafe design

When asked about all the work the students put in to making the Homecoming Dance happen, Mrs. Mente, the student government advisor, said, “All together they created and curated the vision, acquired the needed materials and decorations, communicated with Art Club and the National Art Honor Society, who designed many of the fixtures,  communicated ideas and visions with administration as necessary, and managed the finances of the event. In all, they crafted a night for joy and community that will be remembered for years to come, which involves months of planning, communicating, and coordinating, and I am beyond proud of the work they’ve done and the character and leadership they’ve shown through it all. One of our primary goals in SGA is to shine the light of Christ throughout the school, and I think they did a really great job of that with this event.” 

The Art Club and National Art Honor Society (NHAS) also spent countless hours after school building and painting many of the props and set pieces for the dance, including the house archways that students walked under when they came in. Miss. Gooch, the high school art teacher and Art Club/NAHS advisor, said, “I am very proud of the NAHS students and art club in their commitment to help SGA with the homecoming decorations, building and painting large pieces that enhance the atmosphere of the dances. Several spent multiple days volunteering after school and as many as 30 students volunteered in total.”.

One of the students favorite parts about the dance turned out to be the juice bar right outside of the Student Center. It included many different flavors of tropical juice, such as pineapple or strawberry, with boba and other toppings. It was run by the high school finance teacher Mr. Bash, who enjoyed making drinks for the students and creating new combinations for them to try. When asked about what his favorite part of Homecoming was, Nolan Green said, “The Juice Bartender was engaging and very professional.”

Another fun activity for the students was the photo backdrop where groups of students could take pictures together. There were also several food options, including churros and empanadas.

Here is what some students had to say when asked about the dance:

“I thought the food was really good!”- Emmy Joy

“The atmosphere was amazing. You could really see the intent and connection to the theme. The attire we were wearing really matched too.” – Aaron Cochran

“They played really good songs and everyone was jumping and dancing.” – Ellie McCrory

“The Art Club put in so much work to make this happen!” – Nathan Shkavritko

“I was pleased with the quantity and variety of everyone there.” – Battle Wall

“There were free socks for dancing!” – Ava Andrade 

 “A great way to build community in the Carmel Body and get out of your comfort zone.” Oliver Speirs

Overall, the 2025 Homecoming Dance was a blast! The decorations were incredible, and it was truly a night to remember.

A huge thank you to SGA, Art Club, and the NAHS members. The following are students who were instrumental in helping with Homecoming Dance planning and decoration:

Grace Yim

Ava Andrade

Taylor Epple

London Mackelfresh

Nolan Green

Aaron Tran

Isaac Tolles

Peaches Houghton

Aleesa Legvold

Mary Landon

Elizabeth Losh

Lily Daniels

Abbey Denny

Grace Geiger

Jillian Johnson

Julianna Hogfeldt

Se Hyun Im 

Nick Conway

Jackson Siueban

Nathan Shkavritko