Offering an opportunity to reduce stress this time of year, Student Government organized the annual Winter Ball on January 31 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
For sophomore Cara Dougherty, Winter Ball served as a break from the hardships school brings.
“I think that many students believe that this time of year is hardest mentally in school,” Dougherty said. “Winter Ball gives everyone a chance to socialize and take their mind off of school.”
According to Student Government member Nicholas Abraham, students are able to feel relieved and are given motivation for the resilience needed for the rest of the school year.
“The main point of Winter Ball is to bring everybody’s spirits up,” Abraham said. “Right now we’re going into the long stretch of having school consistently, so everybody needs something to pick themselves up for the really hard month to come.”
For Student Government member Cailee Cush, Winter Ball isn’t the only factor in determining feeling esteemed.
“Even if it is not the dance itself, getting ready, pictures and dancing bring a sense of community and togetherness,” Cush said.
According to sophomore Ben Reed, it allows students to feel at ease.
Reed feels grateful that the school offers a multitude of opportunities.
“It’s nice to have fun and see people who you usually see are focused during school, let loose and have a fun time,” Reed said. “I’m really grateful that our school does such elaborate things for us and provides so many opportunities for the student body to get out and have a good time.”
Senior Izzy Shurtz feels it is a great moment for others to be carefree and unfazed.
“In high school, I only have one dance left, and it’s best to not care about what other people think,” Shurtz said.
Abraham finds that promotion helps captivate the students, but it is something deeper that attracts more students.
“Mainly through the Instagram page [we promoted the event],” Abraham said, “but the culture of being in that environment, going to after parties and getting together with your friends plays a big role.”
For sophomore Calista Quigley, she finds pleasure when the taboo is erased, and students are able to unconditionally be themselves.
“It starts when everyone gets out of the boring, awkward phase where nobody is dancing, and everyone is just standing around,” Quigley said. “Then they all start dancing, jumping, singing and having a good time.”
According to Cush, the public reaction and response are valued when trying to make improvements for years to come.
“I would measure success with the enjoyment of the people and the feedback we receive,” Cush said. “We want everyone to have an exciting time.