The A-West homecoming dance is just around the corner, and will take place this Saturday, October 18th, 2025, in the main gym and commons. The event promises a vibrant atmosphere, with a theme inspired by Coachella. Students can expect a very colorful, festival-style dance packed with music, snacks, lights and school spirit.

The dance, expected to draw over 1,500 students, is being planned by Student Council, with input from Senior Class President Monica Ann Rodrigues-Gonzales. “The decorations are going to be very festival-like,” she says. “Tons of color, a great sound system and music students can actually dance to. We’ll mix in some 2000s throwbacks and theme-related songs.”

The Coachella theme was chosen through a Student Council vote, following a detailed presentation of options organized by Rodrigues-Gonzales and her committee. “We put together different theme ideas in May,” she explains. “After a slideshow presentation to the Student Council, we voted and Coachella won.”

Behind the scenes, the planning process doesn’t come without challenges. Student Council sponsor Lindsey Welsh cited safety and ticketing as the biggest obstacles. The school must maintain a thirty-to-one student-to-chaperone ratio, meaning a lot of  adult participation is required. “Students got creative, sending out personalized invitations to teachers to chaperone instead of just relying on a sign-up genius. We also had to bring district security to help out” Welsh mentions.

This year sees an additional change, as Student Council has transitioned to a new online ticketing system called GoFan, which has been an adjustment, especially for seniors. However, “We’re creating tutorial videos and walkthroughs to make the process easier” Welsh reassures. 

Despite all the challenges, Welsh emphasizes the value of seeing student leadership make the event come to life. “Student Council runs the show. Watching an idea turn into a full event is what makes it all worth it.”

For Rodrigues-Gonzales, the night is more than just fun; it’s a way to bring the school community together. “It’s a chance for students to get excited about the school year,” she says. “When we hear students say how much fun they had, we know we did our job.”