If you are inspired by homecoming’s masquerade theme, but do not want to spend the cash for a stylish mask, have no fear: this Tuesday mask decorating will take place and necessary materials will be offered after school in the student activities office.

This event effectively combines homecoming spirit with an artistic outlet as “students will have a chance to use some creativity in making their masks to show off during the dance,” the Student Activities Director Caroline Benjamin says.

You can also play with the irony of representing yourself through an accessory meant to conceal your identity since as Homecoming Committee sponsor Rachel Powell says, “Decorating your own mask gives you the ability to express your unique character.”

Beyond self-expression, there are practical benefits to creating your own mask. As Powell says, “you can […] match it to your dress or tie.”

While you may normally need to go to the end of the internet to find a mask to work well with your homecoming getup, designing your own mask decidedly presents you with the power to create the exact mask you want to wear. Otherwise, shopping for a fun mask can limit you based on availability and price, leading you down a road of narrow selection and minimal satisfaction.

However, mask decorating is more than a chance to save some money, an artistic outlet, or an altogether practical endeavor. Mask decorating is also a piece to the overall homecoming week experience. From spirit days and powder puff to the quintessential homecoming football game and the dance itself, homecoming week can only be complete if it is experienced wholly instead of in fragmented parts.

Since mask decorating is a particular feature of homecoming week that is exclusive to this year’s theme, mask decorating is an event that helps to distinguish the overall experience of this year’s homecoming week in comparison to past years and future years to come.

The masquerade theme alone is enough of a reason to participate in theme-specific events like mask making.

As Powell put it, a masquerade ball carries an “upbeat feeling associated with it. The masquerade traditions, colors, and […] masks really make it [more] exciting and fun […] than a more romantic or sentimental theme would be.”

While the theme of a masquerade ball has a quirky and silly appeal, it also holds a bit of fantasy and mystery.

Senior Maria Barrera is particularly excited for this year’s theme because “I really like not knowing who everyone is and the regal feeling. I have always wanted to have a masquerade ball dress up as if I were a princess.”

Ultimately, it does not matter how the theme of a masquerade ball may strike your fancy. It does not matter whether this is your first chance or your last chance to enjoy homecoming week, nor does it matter which rationale leads you to design a mask. Either which way, I still encourage all of you to extract the most from homecoming week, including the overlooked events it encompasses like maske decorating.