As this 2025-2026 school year rolled around, new Student Council advisors stepped in. Those advisors changed some aspects of Student Council while also keeping various activities, but one thing that was changed was getting rid of Homecoming Prince and Princess.
I believe that there should be more than just Homecoming King and Queen winners. The only people, as it has been for years, to win king and queen were seniors. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors were the ones running for prince and princess. I feel that if you get voted on to run, then you should get a chance to win at least something.
One big issue with eliminating recognizing a prince and princess is the money put into Homecoming. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors (both boys and girls) put in so much money towards Homecoming. Girls, more so on dresses, hair, makeup, nails, shoes and jewelry. Just the dress alone can cost up to $200. Boys spend their money buying shirts, shoes and occasionally ties. All of this money is spent with nothing in return except standing with the Homecoming court.
Like I mentioned before, traditionally the Homecoming King and Queen are seniors, which can make the event feel focused on just one grade level. By adding prince and princess titles, the younger students also have the opportunity to be recognized. This creates a more inclusive environment where everyone feels like they are part of the celebration. When multiple grade levels are represented on the Homecoming court, the event becomes a school-wide experience rather than something centered only around seniors. Some may argue that there being a prince and princess winner takes away from the king and queen winners, but if anything, it makes the anticipation even better. It is fun as someone who gets to vote, to vote for not just two winners but four!
When students know there are more opportunities to be honored, they are often more motivated to participate in Homecoming activities. Spirit week, pep rallies and the after game event itself can feel more exciting when more students believe they have a chance to be recognized. Adding a prince and a princess increases involvement and boosts school spirit because students from different grades feel encouraged to support it.
From the years I have watched the Homecoming tradition, I have always seen four different winners: king, queen, prince and princess. When I was little, I always looked forward to Homecoming in hopes that I could one day win. Four out of five of my brothers who have been in high school all had the chance to either win the king title or win the prince title. When I was a sophomore in high school, I got the privilege to win Homecoming Princess. The next year, one of my friends won princess, and I thought it was so fun. When this year rolled around, they took away that opportunity from the students. At this time, I thought of my little brother. Adam is a freshman here at Gibson Southern, and he will not get the chance to win any title until his senior year. How unfair is that? When he was little, he got to see four of his brothers have an opportunity in high school that he would never get until his senior year.
Creating a full royal court with a king, queen, prince, and princess can strengthen homecoming traditions. It gives younger students something to look forward to as they move through high school. Seeing upperclassmen honored may inspire them to stay involved in clubs, sports and take on leadership roles. Showing that the entire student body is represented in one shared celebration is how it should be done.
