HOCO 2026!

Whether you have a child in high school or not, you might have nostalgic memories of your own high school Homecoming experience, or “HOCO” as the students call it these days. In Petaluma, it is always a lively time where our community comes together to celebrate. This year for the first time, @Petaluma High School (PHS) and @Casa Grande High School (CGHS) had their homecomings in the same week. At PHS, the theme was Lumapaloza and at CGHS, the theme was Rio. Both high schools had a week of dress up days, floats, a football game with a halftime show and of course the much anticipated Homecoming Dance. As one of the ASB advisors at PHS, I was heavily involved in the planning and week of events at PHS.

PHS has an annual tradition of the Homecoming Float Parade which goes through the neighborhood near the school. This year’s floats were a collection of music genres, freshman with Disco, sophomores with Hip Hop, Juniors with Rock ‘N Roll, seniors with House and FFA with Country. Floats are judged by various staff members and the overall winner was FFA, which had a special tribute to Dolly Parton.

Both schools had their Homecoming Football games, sadly both lost, PHS against Ukiah 28-38, and CGHS against Rancho Cotate 20-44. However both games were very lively and spirited with halftime shows featuring the cheerleading teams as well as the announcement of Homecoming Royalty winners.

The final activity of the week for both schools was the annual Homecoming Dance which had almost 800 students at PHS and over 800 for CGHS. With record heat temperatures last weekend it might have been the hottest dance in both school’s history but fun was still had by many! Both schools had a “HOCO Proposal” contest where students could submit their dance proposals for a chance to win a free dance ticket on the school’s ASB Instagram - many with creative posters, flowers, and stuffed animals. Overall fun was had by many!

When I surveyed students, staff and parents about the week of events, many commented on how much they love the overall school spirit, the parade and of course the dance including the getting ready pictures beforehand. One student said: “My favorite memories from this year's homecoming was getting to spend time with my friends at the dance and football game. We also got ready together and took pictures. It was also nice to see my siblings at these HOCO events. I felt very happy and can't wait to do it again next year!”

As an ASB activities advisor, it is a long week but it is well worth it when I see all the smiles on students' faces and all the fun that people have!

HOCO 2026!

Whether you have a child in high school or not, you might have nostalgic memories of your own high school Homecoming experience, or “HOCO” as the students call it these days. In Petaluma, it is always a lively time where our community comes together to celebrate. This year for the first time, @Petaluma High School (PHS) and @Casa Grande High School (CGHS) had their homecomings in the same week. At PHS, the theme was Lumapaloza and at CGHS, the theme was Rio. Both high schools had a week of dress up days, floats, a football game with a halftime show and of course the much anticipated Homecoming Dance. As one of the ASB advisors at PHS, I was heavily involved in the planning and week of events at PHS. PHS has an annual tradition of the Homecoming Float Parade which goes through the neighborhood near the school. This year’s floats were a collection of music genres, freshman with Disco, sophomores with Hip Hop, Juniors with Rock ‘N Roll, seniors with House and FFA with Country. Floats are judged by various staff members and the overall winner was FFA, which had a special tribute to Dolly Parton. Both schools had their Homecoming Football games, sadly both lost, PHS against Ukiah 28-38, and CGHS against Rancho Cotate 20-44. However both games were very lively and spirited with halftime shows featuring the cheerleading teams as well as the announcement of Homecoming Royalty winners. The final activity of the week for both schools was the annual Homecoming Dance which had almost 800 students at PHS and over 800 for CGHS. With record heat temperatures last weekend it might have been the hottest dance in both school’s history but fun was still had by many! Both schools had a “HOCO Proposal” contest where students could submit their dance proposals for a chance to win a free dance ticket on the school’s ASB Instagram - many with creative posters, flowers, and stuffed animals. Overall fun was had by many! When I surveyed students, staff and parents about the week of events, many commented on how much they love the overall school spirit, the parade and of course the dance including the getting ready pictures beforehand. One student said: “My favorite memories from this year's homecoming was getting to spend time with my friends at the dance and football game. We also got ready together and took pictures. It was also nice to see my siblings at these HOCO events. I felt very happy and can't wait to do it again next year!” As an ASB activities advisor, it is a long week but it is well worth it when I see all the smiles on students' faces and all the fun that people have!