Winter formal has traditionally been a post-final treat for the students at Wilsonville High School. After a stressful first semester students are able to anticipate a fun dancing-filled evening with their friends.

This winter formal was the first “normal” version since 2020. Last year, the event was held at Langdon Farms, but this year the dancegoers showed up to the auxiliary gym at WVHS. While it was just hosted at the school, the class of 2023 still wanted to make it special with their decorations and activities.

The dance itself gets all of the attention, but for most, the night started long before the doors opened at 7:30 pm. Many students opt to get ready for the dance with their friends and go take pictures after they are all dressed up.

Senior Anthony Herrera chose to make the most out of the night and spend it with his friends, “I was with a group of friends, and we all got together before the dance.” Herrera also added that they all ate dinner together, “One of my friend’s mom made dinner for all of us.”

Similar to Herrera, freshman Sophia Vega also spent the night with her friends, “I got dinner at my friends’ house for her birthday!” She added that they took pictures, then headed off to the dance.

Students may have fun before, but they also enjoy their time after the dance has ended. Vega mentioned she was able to have a sleepover with her friends after the dance. As for Herrera, “We just avoided parties after the dance.”

While many students were disappointed about the music that was played at the winter formal this year, they still had a good night with their friends and fellow students. Events and celebrations like this help to build community within the school.  Unfortunately, this was the last dance for underclassmen this year, but juniors and seniors can look forward to prom this spring.