Nichole Smith, Montverde Academy
Under the big-city sparkle of the twinkling lights, Montverde Academy Upper School students stepped into the magic of this year’s Homecoming Dance, themed “City of Stars.” From the moment the doors opened, the evening buzzed with anticipation as nearly 500 students made their way inside.
The dance floor shimmered with cinematic flair thanks to iRock Your Party, the entertainment company who created the evening’s immersive atmosphere with their DJ, glowing LED screens, radiant LED globes, and one of three photo booths.
Students kicked off the evening by sampling appetizers and desserts before gathering with friends at the photo booths. Once the DJ set the rhythm, the dance floor quickly filled as crowd favorites kept the energy soaring.
Midway through the night, the DJ briefly cleared the dance floor for a special performance by the Upper School’s K-Pop Dance Club, under the direction of Mrs. Jessie Birt, before introducing the 2026 Homecoming Court. After the Court’s spotlight moment, the DJ told the crowd, “The Homecoming Court would like you to join them on the dance floor.” Seconds later, the DJ turned up the music and the entire room surged forward.
At the end of the evening, the 11th-grade advisors added another layer of fun, handing out glow party wands, rings, bracelets, and light-up hair clips, turning the dance floor into a sea of neon color and motion.
“As a senior, homecoming is very important to me because it’s a place where I can go and enjoy my time with all my fellow classmates, especially my fellow seniors,” said Dustin Estep, “and it allows me to connect and have a good time with everybody.”
“Homecoming was a beautiful experience, especially for me as a senior,” said Sara Echavarria. “I was able to dance with current friends and also make new ones on the dance floor and just, you know, bring out my moves.”
The 2026 “City of Stars” Homecoming Dance was more than just a night out—it was a celebration of connection, spirit, and community at Montverde Academy. From the first song to the final glow stick, students came together to create moments they’ll carry long after the music fades.
