WEB EXCLUSIVE After online events all last year, winter formal on Feb. 11 will be the first in-person school dance of the 2021-2022 school year. 

While there were some efforts to replicate school events like dances or congé over Zoom, many students have yet to experience a real school dance. For freshmen, like Chiara Zeppa, and sophomores, the upcoming winter formal will be their first in-person high school dance. 

“So far, the only event that has resembled a school dance was homecoming in September,” said freshman Chiara Zeppa. “I’m really excited to see what a more formal dance will be like.”

Similar to years past, the Student Council has promised complimentary casino games, beverages and food during the event. In order to provide these activities, Financial Officer Donnalie Yap, along with the rest of the Student Council have been coming up with new ways to fundraise for the event.covid

“Student council has been in the Main Hall or the Columbus Room during lunch recently selling candy grams for three dollars each,” Yap said. “We first sold them during Christmas time and picked it up again this Valentine’s Day to expand our budget for school events, like winter formal.”

Although some of the funds raised by the candy grams are going toward winter formal, the majority of the budget is being saved for events still to come this year, like prom and congé, according to Yap. Unlike underclassmen, upperclassmen like junior Bella Alarcon are returning to the idea of school dances.

“It’s been so long since my last school dance, which was winter formal in 2020 so I’m so excited to be back in that fun environment,” Alarcon said. “I think the valentine’s day theme is perfect. I am definitely looking forward to seeing everyone’s outfits and the decorations.”

Winter formal will take place in the Little Theater from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Students should purchase tickets online beforehand and be sure to wear formal attire, according to Chair of Community Life Paul Pryor-Lorentz.

“The preparation for this dance has been really interesting to see and has made me even more excited,” Zeppa said. “I think it’s going to be a great way to kick off in-person events again.”