With the holidays nearing, colder weather approaching and the first semester of the ’25-’26 school year coming to an end, Fresno Christian leadership invites students and staff to “A Night in Winter Wonderland” on Dec. 20.
The Leadership class continues to prepare for the approaching festivities with guidance from first-year Fresno Christian leadership teacher Tyler Gianakopulos.
“I am really looking forward to formal! The students have been working hard in their committees to bring about the best kinds of decorations, entertainment and food,” Gianakopulos said. “These are some of the fun events that many students go on to remember in their older adult life, so I am excited to be leading and ensuring the student body has a great time.”
Kicking off winter break, five days before Christmas, leadership is bringing festive flavors and a mix of blue, silver and white decor to the highly anticipated event. The usual spring event was swapped with Sadie Hawkins, allowing for a more traditional take for the night’s activities and introducing the first winter formal since 2021. Here’s what students need to know:
Formal will take place at Wolf Lakes, for the second consecutive year. Students will be welcomed into a winter paradise of holiday treats, themed games and seasonal decor. From 6-9:30 p.m., the evening will include a catered dinner, a familiar DJ, games, prizes, photos and more.
Tickets for formal will go on sale on Wed., Nov. 12 for $90, including entry, food, drinks, games, and more. Sales will continue up until the week of the event.
With high hopes for this formal, FC Leadership strives to keep entertainment high on the agenda, finding enjoyable and relevant games and activities. Because of their past popularity, the chance related games will return, welcoming all to test their luck and try the house in an assortment of casino style games.
Other games will occur throughout the night, connecting tables and encouraging date bonding. Students will be kept on their toes with a holiday scavenger hunt. Ten ornaments will be hidden throughout the venue for students to find. If students find one and return it to Mr. Gianakopulos, they will receive a $10 gift card.
Senior and ASB President Natalie Garcia is new in her leadership role for this year’s formal and is taking on responsibility amongst committees.
“I think this year’s formal is going to be a lot of fun and something different and with new leadership students and advisors we get a new perspective on things, which spark new ideas along the way,” Garcia said. “I highly encourage the student body to get involved with formal this year whether you have a date or go with friends because it’s going to be an amazing night!”
The annual formal tradition of NOTS will returns following a holiday theme. Classic Christmas music videos will be the focus of this year’s formal entertainment with each class choosing a holiday music video to recreate. Each film will showcase the night of formal around dinnertime and will then be scored by designated judges, resulting in winners, trophies and applause.
Riley Price, ‘28, first-year leadership student, witnesses first-hand what goes into planning a formal and working with a committee.
“Since it’s my first year in leadership I am so excited to actually help set up and design this year’s formal,” Price said. “I am a part of the decor committee, and we’ve all been having fun picking out themes and working together to make the night special.”
Come out and join FC Leadership for “A Night in Winter Wonderland” on Dec. 20 to kick off winter break!
To read more from The Feather, visit Honor Flight: Veteran Leonard Kizirian and Athlete Spotlight: Braden Belmont carries integrity on and off the field.
