Spring Formal implements mini games, prizes

After months of anticipation, high school students slipped into their dazzling dresses and fitted tuxedos for Spring Formal. Limos and cars unloaded pairs of teenagers, dressed and ready for “A Night at Gatsby’s,” April 2.

For 23 years, the annual formal event at FC was known as “Night of the Stars.” This year marked a season of change, deviating from the past and welcoming in “Spring Formal.” Many attendees entered the event with no idea what to expect from the night.

At 5:30 p.m., groups began arriving at Wolf Lakes, where the event was held in the Lakeview venue. Immediately, couples lined up to have professional photos taken by Milne Photography. From 6 p.m. to roughly 7 p.m., there was free time for pupils to lounge in the courtyard or partake in boat rides on the lake.

Dana Kwon, ’17, enjoyed the ambiance of the location at Wolf Lakes and the atmosphere of the Gatsby themed decorations.

“I prefer this place in Wolf Lakes more than last year,” Kwon said. “I liked how it was more open and I just liked how comfortable it felt to just walk around. I loved the table decorations and how they represent the Great Gatsby Theme. It was just elegant and fancy and I absolutely loved it. The string band also played very well.” 

After the hour of mingling ended, dinner began. A steak dinner was served in buffet style to all guests. A professional quartet called Arpeggio Strings played during this time, giving off a classy and romantic ambiance. Afterwards, the crowd broke for another bout of free time. However, this session was loaded with activities. 

Game stations lined the perimeter of the venue, attracting eager competitors. Students could try their luck at mini games such as golf, corn hole and ring toss. Each win yielded a certain number of raffle tickets, which could be entered into a drawing of the winner’s choice. Prizes included dinner and a movie, a season pass to the Island Water Park, a gift card to Starbucks and the grand prize of an iPad Mini.

James White, ‘19, enjoyed the easy to comprehend carnival games and the prizes awarded at the end of the night. 

“I really liked the carnival games that they had at the formal,” White said. “The ring toss was simple but really fun, so I think that was my favorite game. I also won a $100 gift card to Dicks’ Sporting Goods. I already spent it on athletic shirts and shorts for wearing under my hockey gear. I went to every game station, and just had fun and I ended up winning. I would go again next year.”

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During the break, a photo booth was set up for anyone who wanted to strike a pose. Once students collected their final raffle tickets, the group sat back down for dessert and an awards ceremony.

For the first time in FC history, students witnessed the “People’s Choice Awards.” Earlier in the month, pupils and staff nominated a handful of students for certain awards, which were announced on the night of formal. Award categories included “Most likely to have a single on iTunes,” “Most likely to survive in a foreign country,” and “Most likely to become a CEO.”

In between People’s Choice Awards, raffle winners were announced. Freshman Angelica Escalera was given the honor of taking home the iPad Mini grand prize.

“The night was already going good, but winning the iPad made the night even better,” Escalera said. “I thought formal was a really good experience. It was really fun to just dress up and hang out with friends.”

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While majority of the student body attended Spring Formal, a handful chose to opt out of the event this year. Sophomore Stephen Walters was drawn to the theatrical aspect of previous years, and was not compelled to make his way to Wolf Lakes this year.

“I didn’t go to Spring Formal this year because I felt that the premise of the event was not focused and there was no main event worth going to. In the past we had movies, but not this time,” Walters said. “If the event next year is worth the time and money then I will go, if it’s a direct repeat of this year, I will not go.”

Junior Dawson Triplitt enjoyed the variety of food options, but was not totally sold on the gaming aspect of the night.

“I had a great time, I enjoyed hanging out with my friends, while we were all dressed up,”  I really enjoyed the variety of drinks, and the food. The games were alright, but at the same time my date and I weren’t interested in playing while we were dressed up. Overall, it was a blast.”

ASB President Timothy Nyberg explained the motivation behind the change from NOTS to Spring Formal, and how it will affect the future of formal events at FC.

“I was very pleased with the outcome and success of Spring Formal this year,” Nyberg said. “Due to the lack of interest and participation of filming the traditional NOTS movies, ASB was faced with the difficult task of reinventing a new tradition. After months of planning and hard work, I could not have been more pleased with the turnout and positive response to the new changes. Although there is plenty of room for improvement, I believe these changes could set a new trend and tradition for the future of formal.”

This writer can be reached via Twitter: @_chloemueller and via email: Chloe Mueller.

For more features, read Campus prepares to part with long-standing art teacher.

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