November 17 and 18, Stanford OHS held its traditional Homecoming event in Boston, Massachusetts. This year, Boston welcomed the Homecoming with pleasant weather and bright autumn leaves. More than 200 OHS students, along with staff members and parents, came to stay at the Royal Sonesta Hotel and to enjoy the event.
The Homecoming is special for OHS students because it is one of the school’s major in-person events. “It was great finally being able to see friends and classmates in person,” says Lexi MacRury, a senior at OHS. “Forming connections online can be difficult at times, but meeting people in-person can definitely strengthen bonds.”
Many families arrived for Homecoming on Thursday, and went to tours of colleges around the Boston area. They came together for the traditional pre-Homecoming dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, organized by the OHS Parent Association (OHSPA).
On Friday, morning events included Student Homecoming Kickoff and All-Parent Gathering and Introductions. At night, students and parents took a boat ride across the Charles River.
On Saturday, various events included sports games, pickup basketball and staff vs. student dodgeball; visits to the Museum of Science; and MIT Splash.
“Going to MIT Splash for the first time (as a senior) felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” says MacRury.
At night, students attended the Homecoming Dinner & Dance. Many students say they enjoyed this event the most. “It was super fun,” says Rheyn Juwono (‘27).
“I liked that the Dance had a theme, Royal Gothic,” Gene Yang (‘26) adds. “I helped with the decorations for the event, and it was great being on the dance floor with friends afterwards.”
Overall, students loved the Homecoming events and felt that they were well-organized. “The activities were fun and it was nice to have an assortment!” says MacRury. “Most things were within walking distance which was nice.”
Some students wished that the Homecoming hadn’t coincided with their major assignments and exams. Yang also says that he was sorry when Homecoming was over, especially since he is an international student with few opportunities to attend in-person events.
“Attending Homecoming can be hard for students living far away, especially since the trip is only for a few days. But I guess that makes it more of a special event.”