The Hoco Advantage

Homecoming is Better Than Sadie Hawkins

Photo taken during the 2021 Maclay Homecoming Dance

School dances are fun and memorable events that happen over the course of an academic year, providing students a way to spread school pride, connect with others and have fun with friends outside of the classroom. In particular, Homecoming has become one of the most popularized events, frequently being featured in movies, shows and books. In contrast, the Sadie Hawkins dance is often viewed as a more casual alternative centered around role reversal. Ultimately, Homecoming consistently stands out as the more engaging event because it brings people together at the start of the new school year, is more inclusive and is more directly connected to school spirit.

Homecoming occurs a few months after the beginning of the school year, when excitement is high and students are eager to reconnect with friends after the long summer break. This timing creates a sense of novelty and freshness that contributes to the dance’s strong attendance and enthusiasm. Its pre-parties, after-parties and group dinners are also known to be some of the best parts of the dance.

“I think Hoco (Homecoming) is better than Sadie’s cause it’s always the first dance of the year,” junior Lauren Ferraro said. “And that means there’s always a lot of effort put into it. Plus, everyone’s dresses and suits are always really adorable and something new to see every year.”

Furthermore, the inclusive nature of Homecoming makes it so that anyone can ask anyone, reducing the pressure surrounding the need for a date. This flexibility allows students to go in pairs, with friends or as a group. In contrast, Sadie’s remains largely centered on bringing a date, because of its custom of girls asking boys, which can add pressure for students to come with dates. However, Homecoming feels more inclusive and less implied on bringing a date. 

“Everyone is always invited to Homecoming,” junior Allie Wood said. “But with Sadie’s, it feels like you have to bring a date to go. With Hoco though, you can just go with friends because it feels less strict about that.”

In addition, Homecoming is deeply connected to established school traditions such as pep rallies, spirit week and football games. These events build anticipation for the dance while also reinforcing a shared sense of community among students. Furthermore, the involvement and large role that alumni play during this season helps to strengthen the significance and tradition of the celebration. Unlike Sadie’s, Homecoming encompasses the entire school community from the past and the present.

However, some may say that Sadie Hawkins creates uniqueness because of its tradition of girls asking boys. However, whether that structure is more enjoyable is largely a matter of personal preference. Some may prefer the familiarity and formality of Homecoming because of its school-spirited traditions that never fail to build excitement surrounding the event. Without strong ties to school spirit or community involvement, Sadie’s often fails to generate this same lasting enthusiasm.

“For me, hoco is personally better than Sadie’s because the guys get to ask the girls,” junior Keelie Crumbaker said. “Hoco is also a little more formal than Sadie’s, which I like as well.”

Although Sadie Hawkins offers a unique change in tradition, Homecoming continues to unite students through its timing, inclusivity and strong connection to school spirit. Its traditions encourage participation from the entire student body and the community, especially alumnus, which help create lasting memories beyond the dance itself. All of this ensures Homecoming’s place as one of the most anticipated dances of the year.