Well, one’s curiosity can be quenched in knowing that the theme this year was none other than the ever so original “Award Show”, which was made obvious by the fun hallway decorations. Freshman were assigned the VMAs, sophomores got the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, juniors received the Grammys, and the seniors were awarded the Oscars. 

While that is all good and fun, there were many crucial problems, perhaps the first being that the award show theme is not at all original. Not only has it been done by practically every other high school in existence, but there is no differentiation between the different grades. Take for example how the aesthetic themes associated with the Grammys and Oscars are too similar to know the difference. 

“I think they are very similar, but there weren’t a ton of options. How many award shows do you know of?” questions Aimee Lam, a junior at Briar Woods. 

Homecoming attire for women is traditionally a cocktail dress, which means knee length or shorter. There is not a lot of overlap between award show attire and cocktail dresses. Even if someone were to attempt to find a dress to suit the theme, the search would be a bold and brave one. The only award show that may have some attendees wearing a shorter dress is the Nickelodeon Kids Choice, which has some problems of its own. 

It seems a slight insult that the sophomores were given the Nickelodeon Kids Choice. Compared to the VMAs, Grammys, and Oscars, it seems both juvenile and like a last resort. 

“I’m a sophomore! Why is it Kids Choice Awards? Give it to the freshman, they’re the kids here!” exclaims an anonymous sophomore at Briar Woods. 

It can be understandable, and perhaps even funny, if they gave it to the freshman. That would be much more fitting, seeing as they are the babies of the school, and are often subjected to the rite of passage that is a constant reminder of their status (just listen to the aggressive booing at them during the pep rallies). It would have been both funny and much less of an insult to give it to them.

Perhaps the unhappy view is limited only to the sophomores, though. Junior Aimee Lam seems to have no problem with it. 

“I actually really like [the themes]. The sophomores are a little out there with Nickelodeon, and I find that really funny,” she says.  

Finally, despite all these points, it is very likely that it does not matter. The homecoming theme is often overlooked and ignored, and hardly anyone ever chooses their attire around it, which is a shame in itself. Having a common theme is a bit like Spirit Days, in which one gets to be creative and have fun with their outfit. Further, seeing the different ideas and representations everyone came up with makes it all the more interesting. However, much like the spirit days, homecoming themes are largely ignored, and perhaps this year’s theme choice is a testament to why.