The Student News Site of Westborough High School

The Lobby Observer

The Student News Site of Westborough High School

The Lobby Observer

The Student News Site of Westborough High School

The Lobby Observer

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“Evacuate the Dance Floor”:Holiday Ball Cancelled

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When we think of Holiday Ball, we think of gossiping with friends about boys, cute outfits, car arrangements, and after parties; but this year was a little different. Aside from Junior Prom and Senior Ball (both grade exclusive dances); Holiday Ball is usually the most anticipated, attended dance at WHS. As soon as December rolls around, the first snow day and the big dance are the two big events which to look forward. Words of dresses and dates proliferate through the halls of the school during the week of the dance. But over recent years attendance at the Holiday Ball has declined significantly, and as for this year the dance was cancelled altogether. Why?!

Yearbook Committee, who plans and operates Holiday Ball, relies on the anxious freshman to purchase tickets in a hurry to attend the winter bash and the first big dance of their high school career. This year the freshman and the rest of the student body showed little to no interest in attending. Upon being asked, many students complained that the event presented itself on too short of notice and said that there was not enough advertising. We agree. Students only had a little over 3 days to decide whether or not they were going. Seeing as the dance was being held on a Friday night, if not planned in advance, it’s hard for some to get the free time.

Others complained that tickets were too expensive. For a high school student, and with the pressing economy, the steep $10.00 ticket was a bit over the top. With all the other school related things to pay for: clothing, yearbooks, or college tuition, these things added up is unbearable.

In our opinion another reason for lack of attendance is due to seniority. Because freshmen have not had enough time to know the routine of high school functions, they rely on word of mouth from the upperclassmen to know which events to and not to attend. If they hear the juniors and seniors say that dances are not fun or a waste of money, why would they want to go? Due to this negative buzz from the “leaders of the school” it’s no wonder the freshman didn’t flock to the ticket table when it opened at lunch Tuesday afternoon.

All these factors and possibly many more had to do with the cancellation of the once famous Holiday Ball. Sad to say, the seniors will have to leave high school without one last winter dance, one thing many 2010 graduates are very upset with. Another concern of the 2010 class is that if Holiday Ball doesn’t have followers what will happen with other high school traditions: the hypnotist, rallies, the Thanksgiving game, sport events, homecoming festival, prom, and more? WHS may be looking at future cancellation due to lack of school spirit and unity.

In order to keep tradition alive and well drastic change needs to occur. Dances and other events need more preparation, advertising, and notice way ahead of time, and more fundraising needs to occur so that there is a drop in ticket prices. In order to keep these functions alive a few things must happen. When the dances are announced, the student body must speak positively about the dances and spread the word so that students new to the high school want to check it out. Classes of 2011, 2012, and 2013; you are our future, and school spirit and unity depend on you!

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  • D

    DominiqueApr 21, 2010 at 7:19 pm

    I totally agree that there was absolutley no advertising or notice about the Holiday Ball. I’m a Freshman and i hadn’t even heard of the Holiday Ball until everyone was talking about how it was cancelled!!

    Reply
  • J

    JackieDec 16, 2009 at 11:20 am

    The greatest thing i’ve ever read. Supurb! Absolutely an ingenious piece of writing.

    Reply