Paideia likes to be different. From not having a football team to lacking a cafeteria, it can sometimes feel like we miss out on traditional high school experiences. But just because Paideia likes to be unconventional doesn’t mean the students always do.
We may not have a football team or a proper homecoming, but at least we have Fall Ball. So why doesn’t Foco feel like the Hoco we dream of?
The students don’t really treat Fall Ball like it matters. Every year freshmen show up to Fall Ball mostly on time, usually in new outfits for the occasion. They mingle, dance and actually seem excited and happy to be there. Sophomores show up a bit later, Juniors arrive even later, if at all. And finally, the Seniors appear—bringing energy, often questionable outfits, and absolutely no intention of staying very long.
As a senior looking back on three years of Fall Balls, I would almost definitely say freshman year was the most fun. Basically the entire grade was there, and almost everyone actually danced together. Maybe we could all take a page out of the freshmen’s book when it comes to Fall Ball.
If we want Fall Ball to feel like one of those fun, traditional high school experiences, we have to start treating it like one. This is not easy. Without a homecoming football game or off-campus venue, it can be hard to take Fall Ball seriously. But all this does not have to make Foco feel like another random school event. It can still be a fun night of dressing up, taking pictures, dancing, and going out with your friends after.
In the words of ’27 Lailah Muhammad, “I want Fall Ball to be more recognized as a real dance that all grades can enjoy and dress up for.”
Whether that means wearing an actual nice outfit instead of pajamas, getting dinner or taking pictures beforehand, or even attempting to follow the theme, we can all do something to make Foco feel more like Hoco. Paideia may never give us a real homecoming. But we could at least stop being the reason Fall Ball sucks.
