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Homecoming is that time of year when the leaves change color, the class floats are being decorated, and everyone is scrambling to put together that perfect outfit for the big dance. This year was no different, excitement was in the air. Bellevue High School was decorated with icons from some of our favorite cities. Freshman rocked their tans to back their tropical Hawaiian theme. Sophomores kept it classy with New York City and the Statue of Liberty. Juniors carried the Miami vibe from across the country to Bellevue. Not to mention Seniors because “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”, securing their win with their epic Vegas wedding drama.
Spirit week gave us a variety of themes including pajama and performative day to get everyone into the HOCO spirit. On Friday, we had an epic assembly where each class office shared an original video and dance. The freshman really stepped up their school spirit; they delivered a hilarious video skit and ended with a great Hawaiian dance performance.
Later that day, the school celebrated with the annual HOCO parade. There were floats displaying all the class themes, with class royalty following closely behind. The 2025 class royalty freshman court was Amani Powell-Rodriguez & Nikko Romero. Followed by the sophomore court, Addie Bechthold & Noah Outalha. The Junior court was Dhananjay Padmanabhan & Max Bryan. To celebrate their last year the senior court, Aditya Senthil & Jason Koo.
ASB waved to the crowds wearing their t-shirts with each class office theme, that they sold to raise money supporting their class office. The band, dance, and cheer groups made a stunning appearance. Tons of students and parents cheered along the sidewalk wearing blue and gold.
Class royalty also made an appearance at the Bellevue football game that followed. Bellevue football played their hearts out and the stands went wild. Unfortunately, Bellevue lost to Bothell 35-36, it was a tight game, but Bellevue will get them next time.
Saturday brought us the grand finale, the homecoming dance! The gym was decorated beautifully by the leadership class and a few volunteers for the big night. The dance floor was lit up with lights and there was a poker table for those who needed a break from dancing. There was plenty of great food and school spirit. Many groups gathered before the dance to pose for way too many pictures and accidentally poke themselves attaching their boutonnière.
Who wore it best? Here’s the breakdown.
Freshman Marielle Morio wore a studding yellow dress, with gorgeous flower detailing, and it was cleverly tied to her class Honolulu theme.
“I liked the color and design,” said Morio.
Yellow is a popular color and popped in the pictures. The print on Morio’s dress gave the perfect Honolulu vibes, and the fit was one to remember.
Sophomore Cash Costello came to HOCO looking sleek and confident. He wore a clean black button up under an all-black suit with a pale pink tie to match his date’s dress. The two dazzled in photos.
“Black on black made me feel fly. I felt like a million bucks when I had that suit and tie,” said Costello.
The dance itself always gets a lot of critique. Some go for the food and friends; others are looking to dance the night away.
“Having a really good DJ so that people will dance is a critical component to a fabulous homecoming” said teacher Michelle Beito.
Music is a key factor at a dance; it brings people to the dance floor and makes for an epic night.
Junior Adrina Banwait was asked what she thought about the dance.
“Less rules and more music,” said Banwait.
At times, the music struggled to get people dancing. Tolo is right around the corner, so make sure your friends support the school and make an honest effort to buy tickets and dance the night away.
All good things do come to an end! Many headed home right after; some went to a friend’s house to get out of heels, sport coats, and put on something cozier. Whatever it was, Bellevue High School puts on a fantastic homecoming. As the seniors say goodbye to their last HOCO, I hope the rising classes aim to continue showing school spirit, support the school, cheer loud at the football game, and remember we are so lucky to be BLUE AND GOLD!
