Every year, the high school students of Carmel experience the week of homecoming, but this year the school transitioned the dance to the fall. For years, homecoming has been held in the winter, typically during January, with basketball; however, this year, the week was surrounded by the main fall sport of soccer. 

The week leading up to the big game and dance, students are able to showcase their creativity through the theme days   decided upon by the Student Government. Monday was a great start to the week where students came to school decked out with school colors for Blue and Gold day. To kick off homecoming week, students K-12 were able to attend and participate in the homecoming parade and pep rally. During the pep rally, all grade levels got to compete in fun games; the cheerleaders performed; and the fall sports teams were recognized and congratulated. Tuesday was Adam Sandler day, and students wore baggy shorts and shirts in his honor. Wednesday was Generations day: freshmen dressed as babies, sophomores dressed as teenagers, juniors dressed as Gen-Z/middle age and seniors dressed as senior citizens in honor of their seniority. On Thursday, students had the choice to dress as either country or country club which resulted in a unique combination of student outfits. The week wrapped up with Friday being twin day where students could match with a friend. All this and more led to the culmination of the big homecoming soccer game being held that evening.

The Carmel Christian Men’s soccer team faced off against Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School on the Friday of homecoming. The team was able to play in the Matthews Sportsplex Stadium which was a great environment for the game with very nice facilities. Jahir Jimenez, junior captain, stated, “The opportunity to play in the Sportsplex Stadium was a great experience, and it’s something not a lot of high schoolers get to experience.” 

Before the game, families and students were encouraged to come out and tailgate. There were food trucks, yard games and photo ops for everyone to enjoy. Students started rolling in around 6:45 PM, and the night quickly took off. The game was exhilarating and lively with an amazing turnout of Carmel students and families which packed the east side of the stadium. Interim student section leader Harrison Banker said, “All the students that showed up made the game so much more fun to be a part of.” Unfortunately, the team did not come out victorious, losing 5-3; however, it was a chance to play against one of the top teams in the conference that Carmel will face again in the playoffs.

During halftime, the homecoming court was announced, and every grade was represented along with three senior representatives. The senior court, consisting of Sienna Jauch, Molly Griffin, and Brooke Bills, was voted on by the whole high school. All the representatives proceeded on the field in their dresses and with their escorts. The presentation ended with Brooke Bills being crowned homecoming queen. Bills has attended Carmel since 4th grade, and she has been an active member of student government, art club and cheerleading. Bills said that she was “shocked and overcome with emotions” when her name was called as homecoming queen.

On the Saturday after the game, high school students rushed to get ready for the homecoming dance held in the student

center auditorium at Carmel. The theme of this year’s dance was “A Night In Paris.” Students went in groups with their dates to take pictures at various locations like Uptown Charlotte, various golf courses and scenic courtyards. After pictures, groups went to nice dinners all around Charlotte and Ballantyne. Places like Firebirds, Red Rocks, 131 Main and country club dining were popular options among students. Senior Connor Medford stated, “Dinner was a great time for conversation and quality time with my date and friends.”

Students then set off for the dance where the decorations were breathtaking highlighting all the major features of Paris. From 15 ft. Eiffel Tower, to tasty macaroons at the dessert table, there were so many details put into making the dance memorable for students. Donna Gooch’s art class helped create so many beautiful scenes of immersive artwork that made students feel like they were taking a step into Paris, France. The Student Government teacher, Meredith Mente said, “I am so impressed with this year’s homecoming decorations and the work that went into setting up.”

Students also got to showcase their moves on the dance floor, and the DJ this year was a fan-favorite among students. Sophomore Brock Pinnix stated, “The DJ was the highlight of the night because he made a great environment.” Flashing lights, smoke machines, balloons and the many Paris decorations created an electric space for students to dance the night away. From mosh pits to the cupid shuffle, the dance floor was never lacking energy- and the smell of body odor.

Max Mendieta, Student-Body President, headed the homecoming dance planning committee. Mendieta said, “The dance was a huge success and it could not have been done without all the help from students, parents and administration.” Homecoming takes hours of planning and focus on the minor details that so often go unseen. Carmel is blessed to have school-wide support every year for the dances, and the buy-in from students made for an exciting and well-attended dance. Many of the seniors shared that this was by far the best homecoming they attended, and the underclassmen cannot wait for the next homecoming dance in fall of 2025.