“Bringing the students from Southmoreland High School together has always been my goal,” said Charles Echard, student council member of the senior class. “I believe by increasing the participation at dances, we could do just that.”

Echard says that he has been to all three Homecoming dances in the past and would have planned to attend the upcoming dance if the date was changed. Although Homecoming can be fun, attendance is at an all time low, he said. Echard, along with other student council members, believe that this is because of the day of the week the dance takes place.

“Homecoming is a good time, but I’ve always wished it was on a weekend, rather than a Wednesday night.,” Echard said. “It gives me no time to complete homework and knowing the lack of sleep, I will get makes me question my attendance.”

By  having school dances on weekdays,  it is inefficient for students attending may they be from Southmoreland or dates from a separate schools, Echard said. He added that it is time costly compared to the alternative, dances on a Saturday, because of activities such as practices, studying, homework, or work, whereas on the weekends, students have more time.

Not only does time factor into the matter, but having a dance on the weekend also requires extra payout to janitorial staff and an extra cafeteria reservation fee, up to around $500. It seems that each year it becomes harder and harder to fundraise or collect money from the community to support such clubs. The lack of student council funds and the inability to fundraise keeps the school from being able to pay these extra funds every year.

“I believe that the combined participation of student council, school board representatives, and local community members could make it possible for our dances to be on Saturdays,” Echard said. “This would boost attendance and ultimately our school spirit, bringing the student body together.”

The Fall Dance, which also serves as the homecoming dance, is Nov. 17.

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Amelia Buchholz

Hi, my names Amelia. I'm 16 and a sophomore at Southmoreland. I'm in marching band, and I like to write in my free time.

Latest posts by Amelia Buchholz (see all)

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