2025 Homecoming Recap

2025’s “Bloomfield Music Festival” Homecoming week was spirited and exciting, with student participation at an all-time high! The event's success can largely be attributed to the tireless efforts of the grades 9-12 student leadership classes. These committed students (and teachers) worked diligently to plan and execute a variety of activities, including dress-up days, fun games, decorations, assemblies, and creative promotions leading up to and during the week. Their hard work transformed Homecoming into a memorable celebration for the entire school community.

Student Leadership teachers, Krista Laliberte and Rachel Matz, believe the mix of students in larger leadership classes and advantageous timing contributed to this year’s success. Laliberte noted, “We have an exceptional group. We have more student leaders than ever before.” Matz added, “We also had more time because homecoming week was a little later.”

Planning for Homecoming week begins the previous school year, but the pace picks up once school starts. Students decide the theme, select spirit packages (specialty themed items for each grade level), design t-shirts, order supplies, and plan the assemblies - all within the first few weeks of school. Experienced students guide the newer members and mentor the ninth grade leadership classes. One of the challenges faced this year was coordinating with the grade nine students as their class schedule differed from that of grade 10, 11, and 12 students. Creative communication and student adaptability ensured the ninth graders made a meaningful impact on the events.

Large committees brought different ideas and opinions, consequently voting was central to the decision-making process. One student reflected, “We don't always get along. A lot of people feel very strongly about their opinions, and the best we can do is respect [each other] and find collaborative ideas that can incorporate everyone's ideas in the end.” The leadership team also conducted online research to find ideas to encourage participation. With brand new fun and silly games, such as basketball musical chairs and human hungry hippos, the Black Hawk Games assembly was the week’s favorite event for most BHHS students and staff.

While the event was mostly student-driven, the students acknowledged the invaluable support of their teachers. One student said, “We definitely can't do it without our advisors. We are very grateful for them and all the work they put in. They're very experienced, and wise, too.” Planning events like Homecoming not only teaches valuable lessons, it’s also a highlight of the students’ year. When reflecting on their experiences, the Homecoming executive board shared what they learned: effective communication, initiative, creativity, collaboration, balance, time management, adaptability, and keeping an open mind. Brady Winston (grade 11) summed it up, exclaiming, “It was the best possible high school experience.”