One would probably think Homecoming a decade ago consisted of dresses and waltz-like dance moves. Think again; past Homecomings capture the exact same mood as recent Homecomings. “I have to admit I was not the most school spirited student… but [Homecoming] was a very memorable moment,” English teacher Justin Brown said. Brown attended Gunn from 1992 to 1995 and experienced a relatively similar Homecoming week as the current one.

The dance-style featured in past Homecomings was similar to the current popular form of dance. “Freaking was extremely popular at the dance even though it was not allowed,” Brown said. The 1990s dances had teachers shining flashlights in students’ face sand making them dance at least a foot apart from each other. However, there was no forty-five degree freaking rule. “The teachers were not as strict,” Brown said.

One difference between these two Homecomings is the variation in songs. “They played awkward dance songs such as Green Day, Offspring, Prince, AC/DC and other rock songs,” Brown said. “Once in a while a slow song came up and it would be easier to dance to.”

Before the dance, the tradition of boys asking girls to homecoming with a bit of flair still took place. One boy had a teacher write “Will you go to Homecoming with me?” on an overhead in social studies class. Another boy took off his shirt and wrote Homecoming on his body. Brown, on the other hand, asked in a casual conversation simply without roses or chocolates.

Right before the dance, Brown and his date took many pictures at his date’s house. Then, they went to their mutual friend’s house and took more goofy pictures while eating cookies and other deserts. According to Brown, the gym was packed with people having a great time. After the dance, Brown and his friends went to Lyons, a 24/7 diner, to hangout.

After 14 years, Homecoming has not changed much besides the addition of breathalyzers. It still features a large amount of spirit, happy dates and the famous dance.