Friday Night Lights and Festivities

On October 9th, the Friday of homecoming week, students, faculty, and residents of Dublin, CA all gathered for the string of events happening at Dublin High School. As soon as the bell of the last class rang, students were ready to start the Homecoming filled afternoon. Along Village Parkway, the annual parade showcasing car show winners, prince and princess nominees, student-produced floats, as well as local marching bands were all on display.

The Class of 2019 following their float in the Homecoming parade. Every class was presented in the parade, allowing them to showcase the work they did in preparation for Friday.
The Class of 2019 following their float in the Homecoming parade. Every class was presented in the parade, allowing them to showcase the work they did in preparation for Friday. (Photo Credit: Lauren Manning)

“It was an amazing and super fun experience. I loved being able to ride with my friends and with all the nominees, it was definitely one of my most memorable high school experiences,” said Homecoming King, Sean Fukamaki when asked about his time in the parade.

Dublin High senior, Neena Dye (left) helps apply face paint to senior, Britney Lorenzana (right) in preparation for the football game. Majority of the crowd seen at the carnival and game were head-to-toe decked out in red, white, and blue supporting their home team.
Dublin High senior, Neena Dye (left) helps apply face paint to senior, Britney Lorenzana (right) in preparation for the football game. Majority of the crowd seen at the carnival and game were head-to-toe decked out in red, white, and blue supporting their home team. (Photo Credit: Lauren Manning)

The carnival was up and running right after the parade, with a line to get in. With food and activities for nearly everyone, the carnival attracted not only students, but families and staff. Clubs at the school had gotten the chance to fundraise for their group selling food, working game booths, and even setting up a dunk tank.

“It was fun, energetic, and definitely worth going to,” said Dublin High School senior Sana Qureshi.

Dublin High senior, Cody Chang, smiling after his first plunge in the dunk tank. He was one of the many active club members who helped fundraise for their organization or group, participating in booths and games.
Dublin High senior, Cody Chang, smiling after his first plunge in the dunk tank. He was one of the many active club members who helped fundraise for their organization or group, participating in booths and games. (Photo Credit: Lauren Manning)

Local bands and solo student artists presented themselves on a stage, playing music while the crowds walked around the carnival. The event of the night, the Dublin vs. Acalanes football game kicked off in the Dublin Stadium at 7:30 pm. Crowds filled the bleachers and an energetic student section kept the night lively. Dublin took a 7-0 lead ending the first half.

At halftime, carpets were rolled out on the field, and every princess nominee from each class had her chance to shine accompanied by her father. The senior queen nominees were introduced, and the queen, Nicole Chen, was crowned. Roars from the student section supported, as well as congratulated the 2015 Homecoming Queen.

Senior and Homecoming Queen, Nicole Chen, proudly advertises make-your-own-grilled-cheese at the homecoming carnival. Many students were seen advertising a variety of meals, games, and even craft activities for the purpose of fundraising for their club.
Senior and Homecoming Queen, Nicole Chen, proudly advertises make-your-own-grilled-cheese at the homecoming carnival. Many students were seen advertising a variety of meals, games, and even craft activities for the purpose of fundraising for their club. (Photo Credit: Lauren Manning)

Following the crowning of the queen, homecoming class rankings were announced. The classes were judged in categories from most spirited, to best float. This year, the theme was “Lost”. Classes had the freedom to pick a phrase utilizing the word. The senior class chose “Lost in Time”, the junior class “Lost in Alcatraz”, the sophomore class “Lost in Film”, and the freshman class “Lost in Wonka Land”. The Class of 2016 came in second to the Class of 2019 in all but one category, most spirited. Overall, the Class of 2019 ranked first place over the rest of the classes, beating the Class of 2016, something that hasn’t been done reportedly since the 80’s. The game ended with Dublin beating Acalanes 17-0.

The game concluded the festivities of the night, but students returned to school the next day for the last event of this year’s homecoming, the Homecoming dance, to be taken place in the school’s gym.