Originating in 1910, homecoming court has been an American tradition in many high schools throughout our nation. But where did it come from? What’s the purpose of it all?
It all started in Illinois, with a classic school versus school rivalry. The Illinois versus Chicago football game. And to this day the tradition has been kept at heart, even at Steinbrenner High School it is well alive and a big part of the homecoming ceremonies along with the parade and football game.
A large part of the homecoming court is the voting process. At Steinbrenner, the voting occurs in two rounds. The first round consists of the student body voting for their grade level and the second round is for the nominee finalists of each grade and senior nominees. This is a fantastic way for the student body to vote for something for their school despite their backgrounds and interests.
“Well over half of the school voted,” stated Angela Haskell, a teacher at Steinbrenner that oversees the processes of the Homecoming court.
As prominent members of the school, the nominees have a responsibility towards their peers and Steinbrenner. They have a leadership position that isn’t necessarily part of student council. “It’s a nice variety of students from all different groups and backgrounds,” said Haskell.
The nominees are usually those who participate in school events and work hard to show their school spirit whenever they can. Cameron Haskell, a junior and homecoming nominee at Steinbrenner states, “getting people to know you… I need to be more responsible.” The second students run for homecoming court they have to be the best they can and represent Steinbrenner in a positive way.
“They have to be a true warrior. They have to lead by example,” said Angela Haskell.
“it’s fun way to get involved in school.” Says Mia Pardo, a senior homecoming court nominee. She also ran in her freshman year and said that both times were a “fun experience” and that if she could she would gladly run again.
Not only is homecoming court a fun school tradition, but many families have made it their tradition throughout the years, passing it down from generation to generation.
When relating to homecoming court and family, “My mom always did court…it’s kind of like a connection to her,” said Pardo.
When asked about the origins of homecoming court many were not sure about the origins of the famous king and queen of homecoming did not have an answer to give. Angela Haskell stated, “My mom and I talked about homecoming court …and she graduated around 1972, so its been around for a long time.’’
In the end, even though the origins are unclear of the homecoming court, it has always been in the memories of the past generations and lives on today in American high schools just like Steinbrenner.
Saule Kondra // Staff writer
