Spartan Scroll

By Karen La

by Katrina Lin

Renaissance will host the Masquerade Ball in Byers Gymnasium tonight from 7-11.

Tickets are still available in Room C-206 for $25, but the price will increase to $30 at the door. Five tacos (carne asada, al pastor and pollo), beverages, a mask, and a photo booth ticket will also be included with the ticket purchase.

“We only have three dances at our school, which are Prom, Sadies and this dance,” said Kenneth Seto, Renaissance adviser.

Students should come in dressy attire, somewhere between formal and semi-formal clothes. Wearing jeans is discouraged. Masks are not required but strongly encouraged. Although a variety of masks are being provided, students are welcome to bring their own.

Half of the basketball court will have round tables set up for dining, and the other half will be used as a dance floor. Over 1,000 holiday lights will be used to illuminate the gym. Backdrops will be set up for students to take pictures, and other decorations will transform the gym to look more festive. Alumnus Jay Velasco, DJ, who previously played at the afterschool activities for Homecoming and last year’s Sadies, will be mixing at the dance.

The final voting for winners of the Masquerade Ball Court members will be held at the dance, where they will also be announced. Each of the winners will be awarded with both a sash and a crown or tiara. Class of 2018 King and Queen candidates are Joshua Chouy, James Galarza, Alejandra Lopez, Sebastian Martinez, Sahian Perez and Kira Yu.  Class of 2019 King and Queen nominees are Richard Flores, Lydia Gee, Alan Guardado, Daisy Herrera, Alyssa Rodarte and Bruno Romani, while Class of 2020 candidates are Ambar Duarte, Vince Galarza, Kristin Gutierrez, Lauryn Lopez, Anthonie Lorsithong and Jacob Shibata. Class of 2021 court members are Armando Bolivar, Allan Fernandez, Katelyn Garcia, Fatima Lagunas, Giovanni Preciado and Kaiya Whitfield.

“Going to this masquerade is something that I want to do because I don’t want to regret not creating new memories,” said Lizette Lopez, junior. “This dance is something that I am looking really forward to because my friends will be going with me, and I know Renaissance is working really hard for this event.”

This dance is an alternative to the traditional off-site winter formal, which was canceled due to sites being too expensive and having a requirement to meet a minimum number of students attending. In past years, the majority of students attending were seniors, reducing the number of students and missing the goal of having a dress-up dance that invited students of all grade levels.

“We are trying to create a memorable event for our students,” said Seto. “We have tried to have an affordable price and hope students will join us with a group of friends or a special someone.”