Schools across metro Detroit and beyond are celebrating homecoming week – and, thanks to social media, we all get to witness some of the fun.
Usually held in September or October, not long after the school year begins, homecoming – or “HOCO,” as today’s teens call it – events for high-schoolers typically center around a football game and a formal (but not as formal as prom) dance. Many schools have a “spirit week” in advance of the big game, plus events for alumni, a parade and other activities.
But today’s teens will have even more reason to look back and smile on this high school tradition. They’re getting creative with how they invite someone special to the dance, making clever signs and earning social media praise for their efforts. Similar to the “promposal” trend, these “HOCO proposal” invites combine creativity and the element of surprise – and, if we’re being honest, we think it’s pretty adorable.
We chose some of our favorite #HOCO photos to show you how teens are celebrating these days. Take a look, and have your teen tag us @MPmoment on Instagram for a chance to be featured on our page.
1. Let’s raid HOCO
This teen decided to reference the viral Area 51 “raid” that ended up drawing 3,000 people to Nevada for a mostly-positive gathering last week.
2. #NotSponsored
This #hocoproposal took advantage of a convenient sportswear logo to get the message across.
3. Making Elon Musk proud
This kid doesn’t own a Tesla, but he does know how to make a play on words.
4. Brand recognition
If the message wasn’t cute enough, the Vineyard Vines tee should help.
5. The way to a HOCO date’s heart
It never hurts to say it with doughnuts. Who could say no to this #HOCO proposal?
6. Super sweet
Sweet-tea lovers will appreciate this proposal, served with a side of three Arizona Iced Teas.
7. For the Starbucks lovers
There’s something for the coffee lovers among us, too.
8. Ready to dance
As the sign says, no man is required.
9. The one where two friends go to HOCO
It is the 25th anniversary of Friends this year, after all.
10. Fact: The Office is still relevant
We love that this teen channeled Dwight Schrute for his #hocoproposal.
And our two favorite local #HOCO proposals:
1. Kickin’ it at #HOCO
Olivia Darnell and her boyfriend Cameron Mayer, both Freshman at Novi High School. Cameron surprised Olivia after soccer practice and asked her with this cute and personal sign.
2. The first responder to #HOCO
Gabrielle McInnes wants to be a first responder with a K-9 so her boyfriend, Jake Aumann asked her to #HOCO with this colorful masterpiece.
