Fort Hamilton started the year off with seaweed smiles at the Under the Sea-themed annual homecoming on September 27th, 2024. Enchanted by the lights, eager students were met with incredible artwork made by AP Art students. Jellyfish and mermaids swam across the walls while snacks and drinks awaited them.
Girls glittered in sparkly dresses, and boys followed close behind, hands full of flowers for their dates. Incoming students were quick to put their belongings on any table and prepare themselves to dance the night away. For seniors, the night was a bittersweet reminder that their time at high school would soon come to a close.
Just as there were endings, there were also beginnings. For some underclassmen, this was their first introduction to high school dances. “I’ve never gone to homecoming before,” said Daisy, a new sophomore at Fort Hamilton, “but I’m definitely going to go next year.”
Teens of all ages spread across the cafeteria — some singing and dancing to old party anthems, some quenching their thirst with Jaws-themed Shirley Temples, some playing Dress to Impress on a stray table. The ground seemed to shake with the pure liveliness in the air.
“It was really high energy and uniting,” said Catalina, a senior at Fort Hamilton. “There was space for everyone to enjoy themselves.”
The crowd was buzzing and the room sweltering, and this excitement continued to grow as they prepared to declare the Homecoming Court. The first to be announced was Homecoming prince, which was awarded to Julian Molina, but it was an obvious choice, as he was the only one on the ballot. Patrycja Poliwka, a sophomore, was crowned princess afterwards. Seniors Jaden Waltuch and Evelyn Galicia were then crowned king and queen.
The four were given sashes and crowns to celebrate their accomplishment, and the party commenced.
Homecoming is ultimately a harbinger of the school year to come, and as students streamed from the cafeteria, feet aching, the night came to an end. It was understood that the year ahead is sure not to disappoint.
None of this could have been possible without the help of the chaperones, who made sure everyone was having the time of their lives and leadership who helped plan the special event. A special tanks to them!
