Twinkling lights around the tables, baby blue balloons decorating the corners, and flashing lights illuminating the dance floor. Sounds of music, laughter, and fun can be heard from just outside the gymnasium doors.
What is this? This is the Patchogue Medford high school community coming together and having a night they will surely remember.
On Thursday, December 19th, the Patchogue Medford High School hosted its very first winter semi formal dance. Having taken place in the middle of spirit week, the semi formal was a great way for students to spend time with their friends before the holidays and celebrate their school spirit.
The semi formal was open to all high school students to attend, and with 162 tickets sold this semi formal was a major success for the first year.
One student who attended the semi formal, senior Madison Lees, said, “It was really fun for a semi formal.”
The west gym was transformed into a wonderfully decorated celebration filled with winter themed decorations and sparklers. The dance floor was constantly filled with dancing students, and the DJ team from Elite Sounds played some of the most popular hit songs throughout the night.
A photo station was set up for students to take photos with their friends and funny accessories and props. Plus, the photos were even printed out and gave the students a physical memory to remember.
“The pictures were my favorite part!” said freshman Aliyah Hernandez who attended the semi formal with her friends.
This astounding semi formal was all made possible by the hard work of the General Organization. The idea was originally thought of by General Organization member Ella McCann, who shared that, “In an executive board meeting, we were all brainstorming ideas for ways to capture the same excitement that was shared throughout the school during Homecoming week. I thought of the dance to unite all grades and celebrate the coming winter break!”
The General Organization advisor, Mrs. Sullivan, spearheaded the coordination of the semi formal and strived to make this event the success that it was. Ella McCann explained that after their meeting, “Ms. Sullivan started talking logistics with us and led us through the process. She helped establish where it would be, the budget, ways we can be cost effective with decorations and food and supported all ideas we had.”
“It was exciting for the General Organization to have a new event that works to celebrate our collective school spirit and to celebrate all grades 9-12″ said Mrs. Sullivan, “We hope it will become a tradition that will grow.”
When reflecting on the night, Ella McCann believes the semi formal to be a success, and that, “the goal of the semi formal was to bring different grades together and to start a new tradition. Everyone was dancing and I can definitely see this becoming something bigger each year!”
