Behind the Scenes: Homecoming Committee Q&A

Starting in September, four high school students met with Sora’s Student Experience Manager Jane Castro to plan Night at the Museum: An Exhibition-Worthy Homecoming. From choosing the theme, to designing inspired House Cup Challenges for Spirit Week, to final art direction of the virtual venue, they brought the event to the next level! 

Learn more about their committee member experience in this interview with Lotta and Wren.  

What inspired you to join the Homecoming Committee?

L: I find it important to be involved and make connections through social events, especially in an online school. Being a part of the homecoming committee offered a way to help create something for the school through voicing our ideas. Additionally, I was intrigued by the thought of a virtual homecoming.

W: I joined Hoco because for as long as I can remember I've always wanted to have the school dance experience, so by joining the committee both this year and last year, I got help to create my dream and then make it come true.

Folks outside of the Soraverse are always intrigued by an online dance experience. How would you describe a Sora-fied Homecoming to someone who has never been?

L: It’s a unique and fun bonding experience. In fact, I was surprised by how many new people I met that night. Even though it’s online, there’s still cool outfits, chatting, games, and even dancing. There’s ways to be interactive, but also ways to relax a bit more – so it’s very open to everyone’s interests, yet there was a sense of community.

W: It's definitely different, but in a good way! Instead of there just being one room for dancing and taking photos, you can explore multiple different rooms, play games, and just hang out if you want to. 

What was your favorite part of working on the Dance and Spirit Week?

L: I really enjoyed being a part of picking the theme, since we were able to put together some of our ideas into one. After we had picked the theme, I had fun making a pinterest lookbook for others to get inspired by the theme. The themes of the dances are rather broad, which can make them slightly challenging, but also very versatile and inspiring.

W: Picking the theme! Even if there are some disagreements, it's super fun to brainstorm and pick a theme that you and your friends will enjoy.

What is your next dream theme for a Sora Dance and why?

L: I have so many ideas, and so I can’t wait to help plan next year’s homecoming. However, I really like the idea of a nature-related theme, such as flowers and plants, which can be majestic and fun.

W: 12th-century Ballroom. I love period dramas and historical anything so I think that a period ball theme would be very fun and enjoyable.

Anything else you'd like to share from your experience?

L: I’m glad to be able to say that the Sora homecoming was much more enjoyable and lively than a traditional homecoming. I would 110% encourage everyone to go to the next Sora homecoming if they are able to!

W: Even though these dances are not IRL, it fits with Sora's vision, where you can connect with anyone, anywhere, and (mostly) at any time.