This week, leadership is organizing the annual semi-formal winter dance, which will be held on the 13th. To attend the dance, students must bring five dollars to school and, during lunch, they can purchase a dance ticket at the student store. Students also need to get a parent’s signature to be allowed into the dance.

The dance is semi-formal, and many students will be wearing dresses and suits, including the leadership students. This event gives students a chance to dress up and get into the Christmas spirit. Special thanks go to Mrs. Mullen, Mr. Ogaz, and our leadership students for making this happen.

Mr. Ogaz, one of our leadership teachers, gives us insight into the challenges of setting up the dance. “One of the biggest challenges is definitely trying to fill up the gym and make sure it’s decorated enough. This year, we had individual groups focus on different aspects of the decorations. One group worked on Central Park, another on the Toy Store from Home Alone 2, and so on. Ultimately, when you have such a huge gym, it’s difficult to make the entire space feel fully decorated.” The large size of the gym makes it a challenge for the leadership committee to fill the room and make it feel magical.

The entertainment at the dance will feature a mix of students’ ideas. The winter formal this year will have a professional DJ, as well as carnival games and other activities still in the works.

Leadership raises a significant amount of money to support the activities our school hosts. Items like props, booths, activities, and other decorations are funded by dance ticket sales and snacks that students purchase.

Leadership goes through a long process to set up the event. Mr. Ogaz explains the steps involved: “We go through several phases before set-up. First is brainstorming—deciding on a theme and planning how the gym will look. Then, we have to make or order all the supplies. After that, it’s time to divide and conquer. Students make sure everything is organized, accounted for, and ready for decorating. Finally, we decorate!”