IHS students celebrated Homecoming with a dance filled with energy, excitement, and plenty of music to keep the floor moving. The excitement carried over from Friday night’s football game into the cafeteria on Saturday, September 13th, where the Homecoming dance was held.
DJ Dave Synek delivered his well-known performance, as he has been doing for Independence since 2010. His playlist featured top hits, including the songs “Fein”, “Nokia”, and lots of Nicki Minaj, while traditionally playing, “Don’t Stop Believing.”
When asked about the atmosphere, Synek said, “It was fun. I didn’t feel like anybody had a bad time. I hope everybody had a good time, and that’s what matters. That’s always my goal—to make sure everybody has fun.” Even senior Grady Wachs was seen break dancing on the floor while students huddled around him, showing no fear from last year’s incident when the bottom of his shoe came off.
“I was just kinda in the groove, you know, just trying to find a groove in music, having fun and chilling,” Wachs said. “Only songs that are worthy are gonna get the dance,” he added. The lights were shining, and the music turned up; Homecoming 2025 was off to a wild start. Meanwhile, in the gym, students cooled off, relaxed with friends, or played basketball. Staying hydrated was also a priority, with water cups available for grabs at the side of the cafeteria.
Friday’s Homecoming night also included the Homecoming Court, introduced during halftime of the football game, where Jamie Panichi and Giada Spisak were crowned Homecoming King and Queen. Walking through the cafeteria entrance from the gym, the top 5 made their way down the red carpet, each doing their own celebration as students lined up beside them. Brooke Vollman and Brooke Coldsnow showed off their handshake while walking down. Next, it was time for our group of three, Tillie Averre, Sunny Sears, and Lindsey Lieu, since unfortunately, Alex Waski wasn’t present.
Averre said she thought “no regrets” as she walked down the aisle. Admitting embarrassment, she recalls thinking: “Nobody’s going to care or remember this”, “I’m here to have fun.” Meanwhile, the whole crowd witnessed Sears and Lieu do the worm on the carpet. Third up was Landon Eichler and Joe Fricano, quickly coming down as Fricano wheelbarrowed Eichler. Finally, at last but not least, our king and queen made their way down as Panichi carried Spisak on his back, capping off homecoming night.
As the night simmered, the dance wrapped up a week filled with themed activities, school spirit, and the annual Homecoming game, continuing a proud IHS tradition.
