Homecoming is one of the most anticipated events in the school year, it represents a tradition that celebrates school pride and the Cavalier community, centered around a home football game and our themed dance. For many high schoolers, Hoco is more than just a dance, it is a milestone in the high school experience that creates everlasting memories, expresses student personality and takes part in a long-standing tradition: Hoco King and Queen.
Homecoming this year was held at the University of Miami. The venue was decorated to the “boho” theme and was said to have lived up to Cavaliers’ high expectations. Although students felt some areas were lacking, they could not help but focus on the positive aspects, truly making it a night to remember.
“Homecoming was good as a whole. The music choices were solid and the overall taste of the DJ was great. The food was amazing, however the drink choices were lacking. The venue was also very nice and had space which fit all of us,” junior Kenneth Lara said.
A new addition to this school year’s Homecoming was its re-imagined venue, the Shalala Hall at the University of Miami. To accommodate for the amount of Cavaliers who attended, the venue was picked because it was spacious. Filled with floral backgrounds and light-up signs, Cavaliers lined up to snap a quick picture upon arriving to the event. Warm lighting filled the air, casting a golden glow over decorated tables.
“The venue was enormous and super in theme with Boho. Everyone seemed to enjoy it as much as I did. I especially loved how many photo booths there were. I enjoyed dancing with my friends but the music could have been better,” freshman Elena Buda said.
The Class of 2028 board served food and drinks throughout the night, offering savory meatballs, crispy popcorn chicken and fresh burrata paired with cherry tomatoes drizzled in balsamic vinaigrette.
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Dressed in yellow and gold and surrounded by the soft glow of the UM lights, seniiors were ready to make memories that would last long after the music stopped.
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Capturing memories in a singular perfect moment, four friends line up smiling bright in one of the many decorations set up for pictures.
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As part of Hoco court nominees, seniors Milegny Salas and Juan Ecchevaria show their excitement to find out who won out of all their fellow opponents.
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Pretty in pink and perfectly in step, of one many Cavalier couples lit up the dance floor with their infectious smiles and matching style.
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Spinning into the night with a smile that says it all, our Cavaliers filled the dance floor with laughter and light.
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Caught in the music and the spirit, students felt Homecoming 2025 was truly a night to remember.
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Standing among his peers at Gables, senior Rafael Hanono smiles proudly after our principal Mr. Balboa announces his position as Homecoming King.
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Running the annual Homecoming conga line, Cavaliers all huddle up on the dance floor to dance around the venue.
“The Boho theme was picked by the teachers due to it being very coordinated with the balloons, photo backgrounds and of course, the fall attire everyone craves. What truly inspired us was the lighter colors students wear during the fall. The planning and setting-up process was good, but obviously stressful on our teachers and students,” senior Lucia Rodenberg said.
The theme was not widely embraced among Cavaliers, most of the boys arrived in suits or dress shirts, while many of the girls chose formal dresses. Some incorporated the theme with accessories, such as belts or boots, but overall, the attire reflected a more traditional Homecoming style.
“We posted a cute TikTok trend where he lifts me with one hand, we were trying to promote ourselves for Homecoming Court, but we did not want to overdue it. I was kind of scared to do something, but then I was like, do not be too scared to do something, because you never know what you might achieve in the process,” senior Baraloto said.
Seniors Serafina Baraloto and Rafael Hanono were crowned the 2025-2026 Homecoming Queen and King, marking a night to remember for both seniors. Baraloto’s crowning carried special significance in her household as she is a third generation Homecoming Queen, continuing a long-lasting family tradition of grace, leadership and Cavalier pride. Together, the royal duo aimed embody the spirit and unity that define Gables.
“Since I am CavMan and captain of the Waterpolo team and [Baraloto] is the Editor in Chief of the Cavaleon and a cheerleader, we know a lot of students and our names have been around the school. We had that sort of popular base when running for Homecoming Queen and King and I feel like that really contributed to the fact that we won,” senior Hanono said
In a time where students are juggling academics, extracurriculars and social pressure, Cavaliers felt Homecoming offers a moment of joy and connection amongst them and their peers. Hoco was planned hoping to allow students to form bonds with their classmates, express themselves through creative outfits and feel part of something bigger than themselves. While some may see it as just another school event, to many at Gables, Homecoming serves as a rite of passage and continuing of our school’s traditions, which Hoco 2025 lived up to.
