Debate Over the Upcoming Dances at Hellgate High School Shifts Following the Annulment of the Homecoming Dance
In a shocking turn of events, Hellgate High School's Principal Judson Miller announced the cancellation of the upcoming homecoming dance, citing a variety of reasons.
The decision was partly influenced by student behaviour, as some students were arriving under the influence, parents were picking up intoxicated students late, and students were sneaking out of the dance location into the school.
Principal Miller also believes that resources would be better reallocated to other parts of the school instead of social events like dances. He has received complaints about the school dances for the past 10 years, with concerns ranging from them being perceived as no fun, too sexualized, or just fine.
Senior Sawyer Reed understands the disappointment within the student body, especially among underclassmen, due to the lack of dances other than prom in the past five years. NHS students, including Anika Stimec, have expressed their disappointment about the announcement of no future dances besides prom. Senior Ally Parsons found the timing of the cancellation most frustrating, as some of her friends had spent upwards of $80 on dresses.
However, Miller emphasizes that prom will still take place and is considered an important high school experience. He prefers resources to be directed towards educational purposes rather than social events like dances. He also emphasizes other school functions and events, such as the GOAT game, as potential alternatives to dances.
Principal Miller sent out an email to parents outlining the reasons for the cancellation, which included adverse behaviours from students and parents, resource requirements, and disagreements about what constitutes a "fun" dance and what is appropriate.
On September 19, Principal Judson Miller spoke to the National Honors Society club about the cancellation of the homecoming dance at Hellgate High School. Story Caldwell, a junior, was not planning to attend the homecoming dance and was not upset by its cancellation. Anika Stimec finds the blanket statement about no future dances to be "a little harsh".
Principal Miller expressed frustration about the timing of the situation, as some students had already purchased dresses for the dance. He emphasizes that prom will still take place and encourages students to focus on the positive aspects of their high school experience.
Despite the cancellation, students like Ally Parsons view dances as a way for the Hellgate community to connect outside of school hours. The reasons behind Principal Miller's decision to discontinue dances other than prom remain unclear, as there is no sourced information explaining why he made this decision.
- The cancellation of the homecoming dance at Hellgate High School has prompted discussions within the school's community about alternative ways to foster social connections, with students like Ally Parsons viewing dances as a means to connect outside of school hours.
- Principal Judson Miller, in his communication with the National Honors Society club and in the email sent to parents, outlined the reasons for the cancellation of future dances besides prom, citing adverse behaviors, resource requirements, and disagreements about what constitutes a "fun" dance.
