Dimond celebrated its 2010 homecoming, after students and faculty had some time to settle back into the academic lifestyle, through spirit, sports and other Dimond-oriented events. Student Government posted class coverage signs throughout Dimond, which informing students and faculty about events occurring during the week of September 6. A tradition which occurs when homecoming comes around, is ‘Spirit Week.’ Spirit weeks give students and faculty the chance to show their school spirit, in accordance with different spirited themes. This past homecoming’s spirit week consisted of Sports Day on Tuesday, XXXL Day on Wednesday, Western/Farmers Day on Thursday and Class Colors day on Friday. During lunch periods, there were “quick-hitters” and “tallying up spirit points.” According to the Class Coverage poster, winners with the most spirit points, at the end of the year, will earn their class a reward. The day of the Homecoming dance involved various sports events—the homecoming varsity football game, as well as flag football, volleyball, cross-country running and tennis. All of the football games were against South High School. Another traditional aspect relating to homecoming is class float building. The Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors created floats, and presented them during the varsity homecoming game’s half time. During the half time, the Dimond homecoming court was also presented and introduced on the turf football field. The 2010 homecoming float theme was “Epic Movies.” The movie the Freshman Class float represented was “Toy Story.” Freshmen, unfortunately, did not have a trailer this year and compromised with a wagon. The Sophomore Class movie theme was “Harry Potter,” the Junior Class movie theme was “Twilight” and the Senior Class movie theme was “Avatar.” The 2010 Dimond Homecoming Court included Brittney Coleman, Erin Wolverton, Keiahnna Engel, Jessica Todd, Katie Anderson, Deanna Nielson, Dylan Afusia, Kyle Clapper, JJ Nixon, Dwayne Carter, Dylan Lauwers and Matt Wilson. The Homecoming queen was Brittney Coleman and the Homecoming king was Dylan Afusia. Lem Wheeles, teacher of student government as well as various history classes, noted, prior to the dance, “[This year, there’s] a canned food drive integrated with homecoming.” He pointed out that the drive was for a school fundraiser— “United Way days of caring is next week.” This was different than in previous years. The canned food drive also provided an opportunity for students to save three dollars on their homecoming tickets. Two cans equated to a $1 discount, with a maximum discount of $3. Pertaining to the actual homecoming dance, there was a serious controversy as to where the dance would take place—the gym or the commons. Wheeles and Student Government Senior Alex Sedor worked hard to solve the pressing issue. Last year’s homecoming occurred in the gym, but that location had sparked negative feelings among many Dimond students. Wheeles pointed out that the dance was not held in the commons due to dangers associated with fire capacity. According to Wheeles, Sedor worked with the administration and the Anchorage Fire Department. Wheeles said about Sedor that she went to work out the issue with the administration. The administration allowed the dance to be in the commons, with the stipulation that the maximum fire capacity was not exceeded. Sedor worked with the fire department, attained blueprints and dimensions and sought different possibilities. After various meetings with the administration, Wheeles declared that the homecoming dance would be in the commons, with a few exceptions. Wheeles said that the faculty had worked to utilize the front auditeria, where students drank water, took photos, visited, etc. That spread the people out of one specific area. The DJ was positioned on the catwalk, above the commons. Wheeles and other administrators made a strong effort to spread the students and made it a more workable, safe situation. Clothing expectations for the dance remained the same—the school dress code applied and, according to Wheeles, “No overtly-revealing clothing and it’s semi-formal.” Guys needed to wear [at least] a shirt and tie, and girls were required to wear a dress or skirt. Wheeles pointed out a specific time when a boy wore a black and white Carhart tuxedo—it was quite the sight. As far as the dance policy went, all students were to have signed a dance policy at registration. Wheeles said, “No overtly-sexual behavior” and “a one-warning system.” According to class coverage information, a “second offense you’re booted, liable to lose future dance privileges.” A number of students attended the dance. Sophomore Caitlyn Esary went to the dance, and said had gone “out to eat then head to homecoming.” Sophomore Megan Romo noted that her plans had “changed a little bit.” She went to Madison Imig’s house, and they “re-heated some food.” Freshman Jasmyn Sohala talked about her dress she wore in that it was short, had no sleeves, and was gray, with a bow. She also pointed out that she had gone with a friend. Junior Kylie Moore said she got ready with friends, then went to dinner. She said her dress was “white and flowy.” Freshman Taughnee Evans went out to dinner with a “bunch of friends.” Junior Brock Crow went to dinner before the dance with his date, Susie Stevens. Various students, after the dance, raved about how much they enjoyed the 2010 Homecoming dance, and it was interpreted as a success.