Mock Homecoming Court

A Classic Tradition

Homecoming week is full of spirited, lively traditions that catapult hallowed halls of learning into raucous playpens for high school students. A glance at the more-animated-than-usual teenagers running through the halls, shouting greetings and jokes at one another, donning school colors and excitedly planning for the big football game is evidence enough of homecoming's effect on the student body. Even teachers typically join in on the fun.

A typical week of homecoming activities consists of some variation of the following:

Pep Rally

The pep rally is a chance for the entire school population to congregate, usually on the football field or in the gymnasium. The rally often includes a multitude of playful events, including games, speeches from coaches and team members, skits and the introduction of the homecoming court.

Parade

Chances are you've heard about the competitive spirit that boosts the creativity behind parade floats. Often, student organizations are invited to design the most innovative, unique and eye-catching floats centered on a specific theme. The floats are then led through the parade, much to the delight of the students and staff. The parade also allows the school's marching band to shine!

The Big Game

High school homecoming events typically coincide with the biggest football game of the year. It's a frenzied, loud and boisterous event that includes plenty of participation from the team, cheerleaders, students, staff and even the students' families.

The Dance

The dizzying week of events comes to a close with the homecoming dance. Consider it the biggest party of the year for the students. This event is highly anticipated, allowing students to dress up in their finest eveningwear, enjoy their favorite music (often spun by a live DJ), indulge in good food and spend time with their friends.

A New Tradition

Clearly, homecoming week is rife with activities that are the hallmarks of school spirit. Its origins date back to the early 20th century, and though its originator is unknown, one thing is certain: The school that held the first homecoming set forth a tradition that would be followed for decades to come.

Of course, the natural progression of time also serves to bring some variations to the event. Just as fashions and hairstyles change over the years, so too do the traditions surrounding the event.

One of the most recent introductions to the calendar of festivities is the mock homecoming. On a particular day, known at schools as either Gender-Bender Day, Opposite Day or Switch Day, the male students dress up as females and vice versa. This tradition eventually led to the practice of electing a mock homecoming court.

The court is made up of males and females, but there is one major difference between the traditional court and the mock court: The roles are completely reversed. The elected homecoming "king" and "his" attendants are females, while the "queen" and "her" attendants are males. The king may be dressed up in a football uniform, while the queen dons a wig, formal dress and heels.

The Stylish Mock Homecoming Court

The queen and her attendants will want to do womankind proud, of course. That's why they will often go to great lengths to ensure that they play their roles to the hilt! It's not uncommon to spot the "females" in complete traditional garb, including everything from the dress to these entirely feminine accessories:

• Tiaras
• Long gloves
• Necklaces
• Heels

A long wig usually completes the look, although it's not unheard of for the queen to show up wearing an outfit fit for royalty – and sporting a cleanly shorn head! The king and his attendants have less need for accessories, especially if they are wearing a football uniform. Often, they will paint black lines under their eyes, just as football players do. They don't shy away from suiting up in shoulder pads and a helmet, either.

Even if the students choose to wear something other than uniforms, they make it a point to "gender-bend" to the best of their abilities. The outfit is the star of the show on this fun-filled day!