Social studies teacher Zach McDaniel’s favorite Homecoming dance memory was in 2006 during his senior year at Chaffee High School.

As a linebacker and wide receiver for his school’s varsity football team, McDaniel had only a little time to get ready for the dance after his game.

“We used to have Homecoming dances after the varsity football game. It was a small school,” McDaniel said. “[It was] already after a game, we’re all hot and sweaty, then we [went] home to shower and collaborated on when to go.”

That year, McDaniel was voted Homecoming court and attended the dance with a friend who was also nominated.

“Her name was Chris Beck and we were [Homecoming] king and queen,” he said. 

The theme for the dance was Blast From the Past.

“I think the senior class did like 90s or early 2000s, something like that,” McDaniel said.

Now as a teacher, McDaniel believes Homecoming embodies school spirit and continues to appreciate the dress-up days leading up to the dance.

“You have a theme that gets everyone doing the same things collaboratively and stepping outside of their box but with people that they’re comfortable with,” McDaniel said.