Homecoming (HOCO) festivities at Rocklin High School (RHS) are not taken lightly. From spirit rallies to the float parade, HOCO week is packed with activities designed to ignite school pride. The excitement starts as early as the Friday night football games and crescendos into the big dance. But for many students, the real magic happens behind the scenes — particularly in the weeks leading up to the event, when float construction dominates the agenda. For years, these traditions have brought students together, not just to celebrate but to connect.
One of the most cherished traditions is float construction, or FLOCO, where each class builds a themed float for the parade, showcasing their creativity and teamwork. It’s a sight that has become synonymous with Rocklin pride — families, alumni, and community members all gather to see the colorful, hand-made floats paraded through the school’s grounds. The float parade isn’t just an RHS hallmark, it’s a vibrant representation of the community spirit that thrives at the school. Whether it’s the intricately designed floats, the late nights spent working on them, or the bonds that form in the process, float construction has become a rite of passage for many students.
At the core of this tradition lies an undeniable sense of camaraderie. In the weeks before homecoming, class divisions fall away as students from different friend groups come together, united by one goal: building the best float. Each year, new memories are made, from the laughter shared during pomping sessions to the last-minute scrambles to perfect the float. This dedication shows up in every tiny detail, from the slope of the structure to the precision of the painted designs.
But for RHS juniors, the tradition of homecoming float construction is more than just a task, it’s a bonding experience, with junior Paige Knight’s home serving as the hub of creativity and teamwork for the past three years. During the last week of September, RHS students got together to bring their float to life.
As float construction season kicked into high gear, students flocked to Knight’s house to bring their collective vision to life. Junior Ava Mendoza said, “I got to talk with people after school and really connect. I saw the whole process of float building, which I never had before, and it’s a lot of work — pumping, stringing — but it’s still fun.”
Paige’s front yard is more than just a float construction site; it’s a space for collaboration and camaraderie. With every strip of tissue paper, commonly known as “pomps,” a sense of community builds. Despite the challenges — like the wind that once blew away several pomps — Knight and her team have learned to adapt.
“We figured out how to tarp things overnight so they wouldn’t get damaged,” she said.
But beyond the practical challenges, there’s something magical about seeing the entire project come together. “One of my most memorable moments hosting FLOCO is seeing the connections people make while working together on this giant goal,” Knight said with pride. “By the end of the week, when we all gather for a group photo, it really hits you — this amazing group of people built something grand.”
“I’ve been hosting Floco since freshman year because my house is relatively close to Rocklin, so it gave students the chance to walk or bike here if they couldn’t get a ride,” Knight said. As for future hosts, Paige offers some advice: “Trust the process. At some point, it may not look like you’ll finish in time, but the class officers know how to adapt. And let your neighbors know what’s going on — they’ll probably love what you’re doing and want to support you.”
