As excitement for Jesuits’ Homecoming builds, fewer girls are signing up for this year’s Homecoming Court. Despite the long-standing tradition, the strict requirements have discouraged many from participating.

Traditionally, Homecoming is a school-centered event where students celebrate with their own classmates, making participation and finding a date much easier. At most schools, nominees and attendees are all part of the same student body. Jesuit’s setup, however, is different, since it combines two different schools, making coordinating dates, schedules, and group plans more complicated.

To be eligible for Homecoming Court, Juniors and Seniors must fill out an application, attend the pep rally, be presented at the Homecoming Football Game, and then attend the dance. Additionally, participants need to have a date to escort them down the field during halftime at the game, while wearing a long formal dress. Jesuit Seniors vote for the entire court, while both Jesuit Juniors and Seniors vote for Homecoming Queen. 

For many students, these requirements have become the biggest obstacle. 

“I think it was mainly because of the Jesuit requirements for the court,” said Abby Doyle (‘26). The reason a lot of girls didn’t sign up was that they had to attend the dance if they signed up, and a lot were planning on not going to the dance. I decided I wanted to sign up because I thought it would be a fun experience to look back on when I’m older, and my boyfriend also encouraged me to. Also, a lot of people told me they were going to sign up and then didn’t because of the Jesuit requirements.”

Similarly, Mikayla Valdes (‘26) shared how scheduling and group plans affected her decision. “My date’s group was not attending the dance, so I’m unable to attend. I am already on the cheer team, so going to the pep rally and the homecoming game would be easy.”

Others believe that some requirements could be adjusted to make participation more appealing. Ainsley Kurrack (‘26) said, “I think Jesuit needs to make going to the dance optional since they crown the winner on Friday night. I decided to sign up because I found a really cute dress and want to wear it.”

For some, the decision came down to avoiding complications. “I didn’t do it because my boyfriend’s group wasn’t going to the dance, and I didn’t want to make it an extra hassle to do something separate from the group,” said Gabby Infante (‘26).

Faculty members have also noticed a change in participation over the years. Alumni and teacher Sofia Curry said, “Generally, I would say AHN girls were more involved in Homecoming Court when I was in high school compared to now.”

The Homecoming Court runs primarily through Jesuit, which often leaves Academy students feeling disconnected from the process. Some believe that closer collaboration between the two schools could make events like Homecoming feel more inclusive and unified. Encouraging more communication and shared decision-making might not only boost participation but also strengthen the community between the two schools.