With homecoming (HOCO)  just around the corner, students are getting ready for the big night — and with that comes the tradition of homecoming proposals. While some students here at Charter believe that grand, public proposals are a fun way to celebrate the occasion, others argue that they should remain private. Yet, the question still stands: should HOCO proposals be public or private?

HOCO proposals should be private

Having a private homecoming proposal allows you to have a more authentic and personal connection. When proposals are done in front of a crowd, the moment can be overshadowed by the pressure of an audience. 

Instead of focusing on each other, the two people involved might feel they’re performing for others, which can cause them to feel less genuine. Having a private proposal makes sure that the focus is on the two people, allowing them to have a private and personal moment to themselves. 

“I think that all the attention and having everyone there just takes the attention away from the special moment between you and your partner,” says PPCHS Sophomore Jazmine Walcott.

Private proposals also avoid the risk of being embarrassed in public. Being asked to homecoming is an exciting moment, but it’s also a personal one. If the person being asked feels uncomfortable in front of a crowd, they might feel pressured to say yes, even if they aren’t sure, leading to an awkward situation. In a private setting, both people are free to have an honest conversation about their feelings, without having to fear being judged.

Another important factor is that public HOCO proposals can contribute to unnecessary social pressure. There’s often an expectation to propose as elaborate and flashy as possible, turning it into a competition of who can have the best proposal. 

This puts pressure on students to spend more time, energy, and money, just to match what others are doing. A private proposal takes the pressure off and allows the moment to be meaningful without feeling the need to impress others.

Ultimately, keeping homecoming proposals private allows for a more genuine and intimate experience. This way, the focus remains on the connection between the individuals, making the moment truly special.

HOCO proposals should be public 

Homecoming proposals are one of the many things that can bring students together to celebrate a special moment. These proposals create an encouraging sense of community and school spirit especially when it’s during Pep Rally or football games. A private HOCO proposal may not be as exciting or memorable because there is no one to celebrate with after such a joyous moment.

As the boy waits on top of the River of Grass for his girlfriend to walk up through the crowded ground and give her his beautiful hand-crafted sign. He waits for the expression of shock and happiness on her face as she says yes. Then everyone comes together in a circle to celebrate the couple. This is one of the many things that make public proposals more memorable and sentimental. All your friends and peers are excited for you, cheering, and taking pictures to make this day enjoyable.

“I believe the person who’s proposing to the person isn’t afraid to show their love and in front of everybody so it’s more of I love you in front of everybody and I feel like it’s more touching and sentimental,” expresses Junior Sofia Mejia.

These moments not only create memories but they show how creative and open the students in our school are by sharing their love in front of everybody and planning out a whole scheme so that the girl is surprised. Everybody can bond over this surprise in excitement and share their joy for this couple.

All in all, homecoming proposals should be public because this makes the moment more sentimental and fun, not just for the couple but for all the students. This way everyone can celebrate and witness this beautiful occasion rather than just keeping it between the two of them.