Renaissance to host annual winter formal
by Jennifer Cortez
photo taken by Kia Harlan
Renaissance will host the annual Winter Formal in Byers Gymnasium tonight from 7 – 11 p.m..
Advancement Via Individual Determination (A.V.I.D.) Club will also host its 9th annual winter formal party from third through fifth period in the gym. The party involves students in A.V.I.D., Spartan Friends and the choir, with a gift exchange, food, and music. A.V.I.D. will use the Renaissance decorations for its party.
From Nov. 28 – Dec.12, Winter Formal tickets were $20; from Dec.10 – 14, tickets were $25. Tickets will be sold at the door for $30.
“For a long time, it was held at a site off campus like a hotel or banquet center. Unfortunately, it got very expensive with tickets that would cost $60-$80 per person. Because of this, there was low turnout, which included mostly seniors, so we decided to hold it on campus,” said Renaissance Advisor Kenneth Seto.
Tickets include tacos, juice, photo booth and music provided by a DJ. The dance is open for all students to attend. This year’s theme is Enchanted Forest and students are encouraged to follow a formal dress code.
“The planning for the Winter Formal is coming along well. We have booked our DJ, taco man and photo booth. We are making final decisions on decorations and are ordering new stuff,” said sophomore Keanna Gomez, Renaissance member.
Ever since November, Renaissance has prepared to ensure that the dance will be as memorable as possible for all Spartans.
“If you think about it, the only other dance on campus is Sadies. We are going all out to allow students to create good memories and we will be setting up for the dance on Thursday evening. It has been our main focus since coming back from break,” said Seto.
Seto has been helping with the Winter Formal since the year 2000. The formal has been occurring annually at Schurr since 1980.
“We have been talking about Winter Formal for about a month now and we will set up for the first time on Thursday, and finish setting up on Friday evening, right before it begins. We plan to stay after the dance ends from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. to help clean up,” said Renaissance Fundraising Commissioner Emily Rodriguez, sophomore.
The dance is an opportunity for seniors to enjoy themselves as they begin to experience their final school dances.
“The winter formal is a productive way to fundraise for Renaissance rallies and prizes they give during the year. It makes a memory for all the dances you have gone to and now it’s sad because it’s your final winter formal,” said senior Cyrus Paniagua, Renaissance member.