Homecoming at F.R.

   As many know homecoming weekend has passed at Franklin. And I think that our school and student body need to address certain issues that happen before, during, and after the event.

   I believe in general there is WAY too much pressure put on people for this. It's only a dance. It's not even prom. So I don't understand why so many people put pressure on themselves and others when it comes to finding a date, dress, or planning the extra events that go along with it. For example, why is it that students now have made it impossible for someone to ask their date without flowers, candy, etc. Boys from our school all try to top each other. Plus if your in a relationship you have to outdo yourself from the year before. It is unnecessary and sometimes expensive. Another thing on the topic of asking, why don't girls from our school ask boys instead. Why can't we do it both ways. We live in a modern era, where girls shouldn't have to wait, but be proactive.

  Another topic to discuss is the expenses. Boys complain that they have to pay for the tickets, meal, and anything else. But what they don't realize is that girls will cash out hundreds of dollars on a dress, hair, nails, shoes, and makeup. But why do they spend so much money? I knew a girl who almost spent $300 on a dress. But I have no idea why. You usually only wear it once and then it sits in your closet. While I do realize guys have to spend a lot on their date, they have the luxury of being able to wear their suit more than once.I think both parties are expected to do a lot for the night and that shouldn't happen. People need to cut expenses where they're aren't needed. A way to do this is having a nice dinner at home. My friends did that this year, and I think it's a great idea. You don't have to deal with crowded restaurants, traffic, reservations, plus it's cheaper. And you can make it a very fun experience.

   When it comes to the dance itself, our generation has made it rated Mature. It's not a dance, more a grind fest. And if you are not comfortable doing that you face the peer pressure. What I don't understand is that it's not even fun to do. You don't really get to enjoy yourself and talk to your date. It just is a stupid way to spend the dance. Another thing that should really be monitored by the school is the drinking. After discussing the dance with friends, I got a lot of different stories of what happened. And they all had the alcohol in common. Someone even got arrested at the dance for being under the influence. He was escorted out in an ambulance and had alcohol poisoning. Why is our school not monitoring this? I realize that is was mostly upperclassmen, but how is that setting a good example for the younger students? They think it's alright behavior and they'll copy. So why are we allowing this? The administration shouldn't be allowing this, and should take more steps to prevent it. It's not even fun. You look stupid and disoriented when you do it. Plus it's illegal, why chance that at a school event? 

   And finally, the after party. Now normally my friends and I have a fun evening without any drinking, drugs, or anything else that would be inappropriate. People think that sounds boring and no fun. But we are able to make it a good time.But I know for a fact that other parties going on we not so "clean". Again going back to the drinking, I don't see why people do this. You wake up hangover and confused. The family that hosts the party can get arrested/fined. Why would you go through all that just to drink?

   I just think in general our school really needs to clean up when it comes to homecoming. It should be a fun night. Not something that you will end up regretting later because of your actions.