Homecoming: Cultured or Confused?

Dayton Milley, Staff Writer • October 23, 2025

“Let us take you to Rio this homecoming” -LJHS ASB

Homecoming is an exciting school event for high schoolers all around. Students look forward to this event to get dressed up, take pictures, and spend a night with their peers outside of school. The homecoming theme is a key part of the whole experience and might make or break the dance. This year, our ASB team chose Rio as our theme, and students have voiced mixed opinions on this decision.

The students who are pleased with this theme agree that it is a fun idea, incorporating bright colors and exotic flair. Freshman Kieran Venieris states, “I liked it because I enjoyed the movie Rio, and I think it would be a fun theme. I hope everyone dresses up in bright colors”. Some students also appreciate the cultural representation behind this theme, as the movie is set in Brazil. Sophomore Arthur Ralston shares, “I was born in Brazil myself, so I appreciate the representation and cultural diversity.”

While this theme brought some positive reactions, it also elicited a lot of confusion and criticism. Sophomore Ben Slaves explains, “I am confused on the theme because I thought we were supposed to dress up using the colors on the poster, but my friends think we are supposed to represent the Brazilian flag colors.”

Another disapproval many students shared was that this was the same theme many other schools in Southern California chose. Freshman Karis Villano claims, “It’s basic because every other school is doing it. I wish ASB would be more creative.”

While most are still excited for the event despite the theme confusion, it could still be a deciding factor in who attends the dance. Either way, the varied reactions to this choice really prove you can’t please everyone.

About the Contributors

Dayton Milley, Staff Writer

Dayton Milley is a sophomore and a first year journalism student. She wanted to join journalism because writing has always been something she has enjoyed since a young age. She is excited to research the school stories and create reports on them for students to read. She is especially excited to document school sport events and be able to watch our student athletes play. Outside of school her hobbies include riding horses, reading, and going to the beach. One goal Dayton has for journalism is to become a stronger writer and also strengthen her conversation skills through interviewing people at school. She hopes to improve her ability to think of follow up questions and uncover thoughtful answers from the people she interviews. She is overall excited to be a reporter for Hi-Tide and to learn deeper about our school’s events.

Savannah Putnam, Opinions Editor & Online Editor

Savannah Putnam is the Hi-Tide’s Opinions and Online editor. Savannah is a senior, and this will be her second year in journalism. Along with being part of the Hi-Tide staff, Savannah looks forward to her senior seasons of the La Jolla High Field Hockey team and Softball team. After working hard as a reporter last year, Savannah is ready to start her duties as editor and to contribute to the La Jolla High community. Savannah is a cooperative and enthusiastic staff member who is eager to dedicate herself and succeed throughout the year.