Anna Bui and Israa Malhouni contributed to this article.
Upon entering Malden High School’s courtyard on October 17th, it felt as if the year 2025 had melted away, transforming the night into a time capsule dating back a century. The Class of 2026 brought the Roaring Twenties back to life, transforming the courtyard into a scene of lights, music, and memories, themed after F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Students arrived dressed head to toe in their best 1920s party attire, as laughter and chatter filled the air.
Starting at 6:00 p.m., students filtered through the gates searching for their friends in the crowd’s abyss, while flashes of gold and black balloons littered the ground. Tickets had either already been purchased for $5 during lunch or were being sold for $7 at the gate by Event Coordinator Fiona Youmell and Art Director Moon To.
While the sun was still out, attendees focused on taking pictures and getting food and drinks. One of Jenkins’ exits had been transformed into a photo backdrop, adorned with LED lights and balloons for capturing the perfect photo. President Linh Do and Event Coordinator Vin Chau were the designated photographers stationed near a table filled with gold and silver props such as masquerade masks, striped ties, bows, champagne glasses, and crowns for attendees to pose with. Students formed a line, eager to capture the night to reminisce later. Meanwhile, the Holland Gallery was being used to sell food and drinks, with tables and chairs readily available for use.
There were three stations in the Gallery: one for drinks, one for hot dogs, and one for snacks. Junior Angela Lam and senior Social Media Coordinator Amanda Retamero Granja sold colorful Gatorades and Shirley temples, using lemon-lime soda, cranberry syrup, and maraschino cherries. In front of them, seniors Destiny Leon and Volunteer Coordinator Oscar Luc were selling hot dogs with freshly grilled sausages on standby. At the last station, seniors Secretary Gabriela Parini Cordova—also Head Copy-Editor of Print and Social Media for The Blue and Gold—and Caden Toomey sold candies and snacks, while a popcorn machine kept hot-off-the-press popcorn warm in black and white boxes.
Sophomore Lillyanna Keogh described homecoming as an event that “brings people together” and that “every student should at least attend it once in their high school career.”
As the night progressed and moonlight replaced the sun, more students were comfortable, and gradually a dance circle formed. One or two students would go into the middle and dance to a song, while students on the outside loudly cheered for them. Most, if not all, of the students danced when the “Cha-Cha Slide” by Mr. C The Slideman blasted through the speakers, encouraging students to follow the choreography sung in the lyrics. Every time a well-known song circled through the playlist, such as “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen, “Look What You Made Me Do” by Taylor Swift, or “No Role Modelz” by J. Cole, a gasp of recognition, followed by “this is my favorite song!” would be heard.
“My first homecoming was a fun and exciting experience. I was joyous to represent my grade and appreciative to be selected by my freshman class,” shared freshman Ruth Mekonnen, who was voted for ninth-grade Homecoming Court.
Just like every year, a Google Form was sent out, asking Malden High students to vote for Homecoming King and Queen. This year, the title was awarded to seniors Editor-in-Chief of The Blue and Gold, Chouaib Saidi and Jaziarra Antoine.
The Co ‘26 Student Council had been preparing for this night months in advance so everything was “organized and planned as soon as possible,” explained President Linh Do. Meetings were held consistently, sorting out all of the details needed to make the dance a success.
The officers had many ideas for the event; however, some aspects that they had discussed were cut from the final execution due to budget constraints. Do continued, “we wanted to make sure the event wasn’t boring and lame,” all while ensuring that they could still make a profit.
Fortunately, they were able to make a bigger profit than they had expected with the surprising number of attendees. Luc compared homecoming to their previous dances, like the Spring Soiree, which “didn’t end up so good.” He expressed how glad he was that the night “was a huge success with the food, attendance, and participation.”
Youmell included that they “had over 200 ticket sales and many more were purchased at the door,” highlighting the event’s triumph.
Looking back, the senior officers recognize how far they have come from their sophomore year. Do commented on how “everyone has gotten so much better with communication. Everyone is there and puts in as much effort as they can to help set up, be there to sell food, and upsell our events.”
With the success that came from all their hard work, the council believes they could not have made it where they are without the help of their class advisor, Nancy Wentworth. Being therre through each moment to support her officers, “she’s truly an inspirational woman and the keystone to all of our council events,” Do concluded.
In a single night, Malden High’s student body was able to explore both the 20s—1920s and 2020s—hang out with their friends, and enjoy warm food and colorful beverages. The Class of 2026’s homecoming was marked as memorable, a great success, and approved by the ghost of Fitzgerald—wherever he may be.
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