PHS Homecoming Dance Canceled, Administration Cites Inappropriate Dancing

Call it suggestive dancing.

Call it dirty dancing.

But whatever you call it, it’s no longer welcome at Princeton High School’s annual homecoming dance.

“[The dancing] was easily and readily accepted by the kids, but it’s very difficult to chaperone,” Princeton Regional Schools Superintendent Judy Wilson said Tuesday.

School administrators canceled the dance, originally scheduled for Saturday, and replaced it with a movie at the high school followed by an outdoor bonfire.

According to The Tower, the student newspaper at Princeton High School, last year’s homecoming dance needed two ambulances and several police officers.

There have been occassional problems with alcohol and drugs at the homecoming dance, but Wilson said it’s the dancing that’s been increasingly inappropriate and what forced administrators to cancel the dance.

She hopes the movie and bonfire will offer students a different way to celebrate.

That is fine with the two student representatives to the school board.

“At the dance specifically, it was not a good thing, it was an inappropriate scene,” said senior Arpi Youssoufian, 17. 

“Surprisingly all the students I talked to are really excited about the bonfire,” said senior Insia Zaidi, 17.

Last year the homecoming dance raised $5,000 for prom, according to The Tower. But the student newspaper also notes less money will be needed for prom this year since there was leftover money from last spring.

Wilson believes it’s time for a change.

“This is about saying 'we can find a better way' and it’s about setting new traditions,” she said.